Baobab Tree
The venerable baobab tree is native to Africa and can be found throughout much of the continent. Nothing towers over the vast African savannah like this tree, not even elephants.
Although the height is impressive at 16-82 feet (5-25 m), it is the solid girth that catches your eye. The behemoth trunk can get up to 32-45 feet (10-14m) in diameter.
This is a deciduous tree, but it only has leaves for about three months of the year (the wet season). Most of the year you see it as pictured here. Fortunately it is drought resistant, due to its large root system.
It also bears an ovoid fruit that has a dry pulp and can be ground into a powder, used to make nutritious drinks. The fruit doesn’t come along for about 20 years, but for a tree that can live to 1,000 years, that’s a very youthful time. Animals eat the leaves, and humans make food, clothing, and other useful products from the tree. To read more about Adansonia digitata, click here.
The baobab is prevalent in many parts of Africa, and is also found in Oman, Yemen and Western Asia. But when I see this tree it says to me one word: Africa. And what a lovely statement that is.
Photo credit: Athena Alexander
Jet Eliot 
Great picture of an iconic tree. That picture could hardly be mistaken for being anywhere but Africa. Thanks Jet and Athena. 🙂
You know your gardens well, Jim. 😀 Thanks so much.
The size and life of the Baobab tree is iconic! Thank you so much for sharing the info. I have learned so much about trees, animals, birds… from your post. Thank you, Jet! 🙂
Yes, the baobab is very special. So glad you’re enjoying the posts, Amy…I appreciate your many visits. 😀
Too bad we can’t grow that tree here in California! We need all the drought resistant trees we can get.
That’s right! I guess the redwoods and sequoias come in a pale second (size-wise), but they’re grand too. Thanks Jan! 😀
The most amazing tree! Gives food for many creatures.
That’s right, Inese–I’m glad you are familiar with it. Many thanks! 🙂
Have you seen the one in kings park, Perth?
No, I have not seen it but I have seen photos, and I am happy to see that it is highly revered. Thanks so much, Irving, for your input. 750 years old–pretty amazing!
It’s amazing to see something on this planet that has been here for so long. If you are in Perth I recommend it, it’s in a beautiful spot overlooking the city.
I am so glad you brought the Perth baobab to my attention, Irving. I have never been to the west side of Australia, but I know if I am in Perth I will definitely visit this much-loved tree. Thanks so very much. 🙂
It’s a very beautiful part of the country so I hope you do get to visit there.
😀 😀 Me too!
I’ve been very fond of trees all my life, I always enjoyed seeing and hugging my “quiet friends”, they’re good listeners and give you shade and a soothing breeze when you best need it. Some trees that are among the biggest, tallest, widest are a whole “world” for many insects, invertebrates, birds, mammals etc. They are the best friends that you can get. Thanks Jet! 🙂
I can’t imagine a tree living so long that it outlives many generations of people. That’s a long-term friend for sure! Always a treat to hear from you, HJ, appreciate your visit and comment, as always. 😀
I come across references to this tree quite often. What a joy it must have been to see it in real life!
Yes, and they’re all over Africa. They look a little different in the different countries, but are always, yes, a true joy to behold. Thanks so much for your comment, Gunta. 😀
Aren’t they amazing trees! Great info & photo!
And I imagine you had the pleasure of seeing these delights very recently, Cindy. How fortunate! 🙂
A classic silhouette, indeed!
They’re recognizable in every way, even when it’s getting dark and not much else can be seen. So glad you enjoyed it, dear Nan. 😀
I can’t imagine what it’s like to stand near one of these trees. To almost feel the history pulsing through them. It’s a great shot, as always. Wishing you both a great weekend! ❤
And when you go to hug one, your arms don’t even get close to encircling it. Really fun! Thank you so much Takami. 😀
The Baobab trees are wonderful to look at, and very useful. So Africa, as you say. A beautiful picture too!
It’s great to see this tree has been revered for centuries. Thank you, Tiny, for your comments and visits. 😀
The photo of the majestic baobab is amazing! I first heard of this tree in high school French class, reading The Little Prince; ) it’s lovely to read about the baobab from your firsthand experience!
I love knowing how you first heard of the baobab, Lia — thank you very much. 😀
Very interesting – I had no idea they could live so long! That can change our perspective! I’d love to hug one…
So very glad you enjoyed reading about the mighty baobab, pc. Always a treat to hear from you! 😀
Most amazing tree, especially about the root system! Africa is such a large and diverse continent, you must have explored and enjoyed the adventures that it has to offer, Jet. Great post and photos, thanks. 🙂
The root system is bigger than the limb system! I’ve been on 5 different safaris in Africa, and had a period where we just worked and saved, then visited, then worked and saved and visited. Finally we decided we had to visit other places too, but I know I will be going back again because it’s so wildly exotic. Wouldn’t want to live there, but it’s a joy to visit. So appreciative, Iris, for your many visits and comments. 😀
Reblogged this on Voices and Visions.
Thank you, Sharon, for the re-blog! 😀