South Africa’s indigenous trees: The Baobab
- avodahengineering
- Feb 26, 2020
- 3 min read
A plethora of indigenous tree species are rooted in the earth of South Africa, contributing to, as well as providing for, the rich biodiversity of this magnificent country. Converting carbon-dioxide to oxygen, capturing the sun’s rays to produce nutrition, and forming the core of a multitude of habitats, it is no wonder that trees are considered a symbol of life and intricately entwined with our cultures.
Once a month we will bring tribute to an indigenous tree species, and what better tree to start with than the mighty and iconic Baobab - a protected tree species in South Africa. Ancient and mysterious, the Baobab is truly the embodiment of Africa.
Baobab with a view - growing near Musina, Limpopo.
Baobabs belong to the genus Adansonia and are found in mainland Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. Adansonia digitata, is the species found in South Africa and across the arid regions of south-Saharan Africa. Although determining age in this truly ancient species is a highly debated topic, Baobabs are believed to reach ages up to 1500 years, but claims of specimens well over 2000 years old are not uncommon. The prehistoric nature of Baobabs steep them in legend and mystery. Tales tell of Baobabs standing tall and proud when the earth was still young, and how their arrogance landed them growing upside-down. Their peculiar growth-form indeed lends them the appearance of growing with their roots reaching for the skies, hence the vernacular name of upside-down tree.
Essentially a giant succulent, Baobab wood is soft, light, and of little use. However, the fibres from the bark are used for making ropes, baskets, clothing, and many other utilities. The fruits and leaves are eaten by humans and animals alike, and are a rich source of vitamin C and calcium. Legend has it that women living near Baobabs will have more children and there is some scientific support for this notion – eating the fruits and leaves helps combat nutrient deficiencies and so promotes fertility. In some regions it is believed that bathing a baby boy in a Baobab bark infusion will have him growing up strong and mighty, like the tree itself.
The hollows and crevices in the branches and trunks of Baobabs form natural reservoirs for collecting rainwater – providing many a weary traveller and local resident with rehydration. The centres of Baobabs are sometimes hollowed out for this purpose, and one tree is recorded to have held 4 546 litres of water! In times of drought people and animals chew on the succulent bark for refreshment, and the roots are also tapped for water.
Baobabs have large, sweetly scented, white blooms that open at night and are mainly pollinated by bats. The flowers only lasts for a day before falling to the ground where they are relished by wildlife and cattle. Certain peoples believe that picking a Baobab flower is strictly prohibited and that offenders will be eaten by lions. Baobabs are a favourite tree of African honey bees, who regularly construct their hives in the tree's many crevices and hollows. People too have used hollows in Baobab trunks for purposes ranging from shelters to shops, and even prisons!
An ecosystem on its own, a large Baobab serves as a place of shelter, source of nutrition, and a spring of refreshment for the people and wildlife of South Africa. Firmly rooted in our soils, the Baobab is a reminder of ages past, a symbol of resilience and strength, and an iconic embodiment of the essence of Africa – truly Africa’s Tree of Life.
Baobab
A Tribute to Africa’s Tree of Life
by Wayne Visser
At the heart of the African plain
Stands a tree both old and sage:
A survivor of sunshine and rain
Silent witness to many an age
But this is no ordinary tree
For her trunk is hollow inside
And faithfully she keeps unseen
The secret of her native tribe
For her cave’s a place of birth
A haven safe from danger
This womb of Mother Earth
Is Africa’s child manger
The Baobab stands proud and strong
She serves her people as midwife
It’s been thus generations long
She’s Africa’s great Tree of Life
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