Baobab plant (Adansonia digitata)
The baobab, also known as the dead-rat tree, monkey-bread tree, or upside-down tree, may grow as high as 18 meters (60 feet) and may have a trunk 9 meters (30 feet) in diameter. The tree has short, stubby branches and a gray, thick bark. Its leaves are compound, and their segments are arranged like the palm of a hand. Its flowers, which are white and several centimeters across, hang from the higher branches. Its fruit, which can smell like a dead animal, is shaped like a football, measures up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) long, and is covered with short dense hair. The Baobab lives for a very long time with some trees living over 1,000 years.
Where to find Baobab plants in the wild
These trees grow in savannas. They are found in Africa, in parts of Australia, and on the island of Madagascar. In Africa, Baobab trees are commonly found in dry, arid areas such as savannas and grasslands. They can also be found in forests and near riverbanks. Madagascar is home to almost half the world’s Baobab trees, while the largest Baobab tree in South Africa can be found in Limpopo Province.
Baobab trees are able to thrive in a variety of soils, including sandy and rocky soil. They are also able to store large amounts of water in their trunks, allowing them to survive in harsh, dry environments.
Edible parts of the Baobab plant
You can use the young leaves as a soup vegetable. The tender root of the young baobab tree is edible. The pulp and seeds of the fruit are also edible. Use one handful of pulp to about one cup of water for a refreshing drink. To obtain flour, roast the seeds, and then grind them.
Other uses for the Baobab plant
Drinking a mixture of pulp and water will help cure diarrhea. Often the hollow trunks are good sources of fresh water. The bark can be cut into strips and pounded to obtain a strong fiber for making rope.