A Report about Baobabs (Adansonia)

Baobabs are a very large tree found in Africa, Asia and Australia.  There are more than 12 different species.  There are more than 4 species of baobabs indigenous to Madagascar, and more than 1 species in mainland Africa.

A humongous baobab tree in Madibira we saw October 2012

Baobabs have a coarse, cork-like bark that can be used for cloth and rope.
A fruit hanging off the tree can provide food.  Inside the fruit is a white pulp covering the brown seeds. This white pulp is made into cream of tartar.  The fruit is high in vitamin C.  The pulp is often colored and dipped in sugar as a treat.  In Kenya and Tanzania, some people roast the seeds to make seasonings.  In Europe people are adding this pulp to smoothies which you would buy from a shop.

A lot of baobabs that we saw as we traveled on a bus.

 The largest known baobab tree has a trunk that is 154 feet in circumference.  The trunk can hold up to 32,000 US gallons (120,000 liters) of water, which the tree will need during the dry season (sometimes more than 6 months.)  The trunk can be tapped for drinking water.  Some people build their house in the trunks of the trees.

David Livingstone slept under this tree.  This is my dad and I trying to climb it.

Because of these things, some people call baobabs "tree of life."  Other names for this tree are boab, boaboa, bottle tree, upside-down tree, and monkey bread tree.  The largest known baobab is in South Africa at Sunland farm, Limpopo.  The owners have built a pub in the tree that will seat 60 people!