The fascinating Baobab tree is remarkable for its unique appearance, ecological importance, and cultural significance. These trees are often referred to as "trees of life" due to their ability to thrive in arid conditions and provide essential resources for both wildlife and human communities. Baobabs are among the oldest living trees on Earth, with lifespans that can exceed 3,000 years. This incredible longevity is coupled with their resilience; they can survive harsh droughts by storing large amounts of water in their trunks and branches, which contain up to 80% water content. Large specimens can store up to 140,000 liters. (3700 gallons); ten times the amount in a typical hot tub.
There are six varieties of Baobab - below is the iconic adansonia grandidieri of Madagascar. They grow in different shapes, one of which is often called the 'wine bottle baobab', below center.
Baobabs are easily recognizable by their often-leafless branches and bulbous trunks, which can reach diameters of up to 36 feet and heights of around 100 feet. The largest known baobab, the Sagole Big Tree in Limpopo, South Africa, has a base circumference of 650 square feet and is estimated to weigh over 54 tons. Their unusual shape has led to various nicknames, including "upside-down tree" and "monkey bread tree," reflecting their distinctive appearance.
How can a tree this big survive without leaves for much of the year?
See the video (link below) which is from our recent trip to Zambia, where our guide, Fanuel, explains how they photosynthesize and that they are not actually trees, but really succulents.
Baobabs are a favorite of elephants, which often feed on baobab bark during dry seasons to
obtain moisture. Elephants rip large pieces from the trunks of the trees or tear off entire branches to get to the nutrients and stored water. Once the tree is stripped of its protective bark, the elephant can get to the best part – the inner part of the tree, which is like a sponge or rather like a watermelon for the big beasts. While it may appear elephants are destructive to Baobabs, they also help them flourish by spreading seeds far and wide. Elephants enjoy the fruit and the powder stored inside the hard shells. Digestion by elephants is the only way the seeds can propagate. First, elephants are able to crack the hard shells and then their digestive juices are able to soften the seeds’ outer coating. Once fully digested and disposed of in a large pile of dung the seeds have ideal conditions for germination. Since this digestive process takes some time and elephants generally cover great distances during the day, they help distribute seeds widely. It is claimed that the Baobabs on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi are due to elephants long ago crossing what was a shallow water bridge that led them to the island where they deposited the seeds.
Baobabs have cultural significance to local communities as they are integral to various traditional practices. Their bark is used for making ropes and textiles, while the fruit is utilized in food and medicine. The fruit is packed with nutrients, including high levels of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron. The pulp can be consumed directly or used to make beverages, while the young leaves serve as a nutritious vegetable. The trees also serve as communal gathering spots and have been used historically as makeshift prisons or storage facilities due to their hollow trunks. Tribal mythology often portrays the tree as having been punished by the gods for its vanity by being planted upside down.
Baobab trees are awesome photography subjects as well as a wonderful backdrop for the safari sundowner or bush dinner. They embody a wealth of ecological benefits and cultural heritage. Their ability to store water makes them vital resources in arid regions, while their long lifespan symbolizes endurance against environmental challenges. As we continue to face global ecological threats, preserving these magnificent trees becomes increasingly important for biodiversity and cultural identity in the regions they inhabit.
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