Baobab tree can store up to 1.2 lakh litres of water in its trunk!

The Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is a native of Africa and is known for its massive trunk and bottle-shaped appearance. It is one of the oldest and most resilient trees in the world, and can live for over 2,000 years. The oldest known baobab tree is the Panke baobab in Zimbabwe, which is estimated to be 2,450 years old.

However, some people believe that the tree can live up to 5,000 years. First, they are very old trees. Second, they have a thick trunk that can store a lot of water, which helps them to survive in dry conditions. Third, they are found in Africa, which is a continent with a long history of human civilisation.

The Baobab tree is named after the Arabic word ‘bu hibab, which means “father of many seeds”. The tree is dioecious, which means that there are male and female trees. The flowers are large and white, and they bloom at night. The fruit is a large, oval pod that contains hundreds of seeds. It is found in 32 countries in Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. There are eight species of this tree.

The upside down tree

The baobab tree is also called the upside down tree because of its distinctive shape! When the tree is bare of leaves, its spreading branches look like roots spreading out into the air, as if the tree had been planted upside down. This is especially noticeable in the dry season, when the leaves have fallen off.

Myths

There are a few different myths about how the baobab tree got its name. One myth says that the God Thora took a dislike to the baobab growing in his garden, so he threw it out over the wall of Paradise down to the Earth below, where it landed upside down but continued to grow. Another myth says that when the baobab was planted by God, it kept walking around between continents. God had enough and intervened by pulling the trees out by their roots and flipping them upside down to keep them from moving.

Tree of life

·         The tree’s massive, bulbous trunk, which can reach diameters of up to 30 feet (9 metres) or more.

·         They can store up to 120,000 litres of water in their trunks, which makes them a valuable source of water in dry areas!

·         The fruit, often called ‘monkey bread’, is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants, making it a popular ingredient in traditional dishes and beverages.

·         The tree’s flowers are pollinated by bats and nocturnal insects. The fruit, once opened, attracts a wide range of wildlife, contributing to the ecosystem’s biodiversity.

·         The seeds of the baobab tree can be used to make oil, which is used in cosmetics and food products.

·         The bark can be used to make rope, clothing, and even paper, while the leaves serve as a nutritious fodder for livestock.

·         Its large, hollow trunks provide shelter for animals.

·         The baobab tree is a popular tourist attraction in many parts of Africa.