A native of Austin, Texas, Andrea Julian began freelance writing in 2008 while living abroad in Guatemala. The baobab tree is the landmark tree of the African Sahara (apart from the iconic sand dunes). Known as the “tree of life” it holds a special status and role in the traditions and livelihoods of communities across Africa. This tree grows from 5-20 meters in height and creates its own ecosystem to support the life of numerous creatures big and small. Some scientists have argued that the reflective nature of the bark may help protect the tree from the impact of wildfires, which are fairly common during dry season. Then the beautiful flame tree appeared with its red flower and the baobab was envious for flower blossoms. 6 x Vitamin C of Oranges 3. The slippery skin is also useful in keeping monkeys, elephants and other small herbivores from climbing it and eating its tender leaves and flowers. Its Own Ecosystem. 6 x Antioxidants of Blueberries 2. Baobab in Meru. Before we get into all the details on what Baobab Fruit is, let's just whet your appetite with why you should even bother learning more about the Baobab fruit...Baobab Fruit Has: 1. The trunk is made of fibrous wood arranged in concentric rings. The baobab tree survives in the savanna biome by storing water in its trunk to use during the dry season. The baobab tree is a strange looking tree that grows in low-lying areas in Africa, Madagascar and Australia. They can grow to between 5–25 m (16–82 ft) in height. The baobab tree blooms pretty white flowers. Another adaptation that the baobab tree has developed to help it conserve water is a spongy bark. Reaching heights of about 12 metres (39 feet), the tree features the characteristically swollen trunk of the genus and bears compound leaves that are completely shed during drought periods. and two in Mainland Africa, as a new species was discovered in 2012. Perfect, you will fit in well here at Limitless Good. Its stems form "u" like funnels, allowing water to channel into holding canals so the plant has time to soak it all in over the course of a day. These are some interesting facts and cultural beliefs about the majestic Baobab tree: Cultural beliefs. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Another way in which the Baobab trees have adapted to this dry season is by only producing small, finger-like leaves wet season. The scientific name for these trees is Adansonia digitata . Another physical adaptation that the baobab tree has is, to catch all of that water is with a spongy bark to soak up that water. Their distinctive silhouettes loom over the acacia scrubland, with Medusa-like branches spreading chaotically above a bulbous body. In a land where rainfall is limited and it is rare to find even tiny bushes, the gigantic baobab tree thrives. It is also believed that the reflective nature of the bark may aid in protecting the tree from the effects of wildfires. This unique adaptation helps the baobab to reproduce effectively by attracting its main pollinator, the fruit bat. They only produce leaves during the wet season. She has a background in biology and a passion for traveling. baobab trunk but the tree is still alive. Baobab trees have two types of shoots – long, green vegetative ones, and stout, woody reproductive ones. They are recognizable by their distinctive swollen stems. The Dry season starts in the Kimberley in April and as we were there in June the boabs were in various stages of shedding their leaves, some were completely bare while others still had a handsome canopy which provided a lovely dense shade. The trunk tends to be bottle-shaped and can … It is also believed that the reflective nature of the bark may aid in protecting the tree from the effects of wildfires. Tree diameter fluctuates with rainfall so it is thought that water may be stored in the trunk. It is the source of many legends among the tribes of the area, and is also a rich source of traditional medicine. In a land where rainfall is limited and it is rare to find even tiny bushes, the gigantic baobab tree thrives. Young trees usually have slender, tapering trunks, often with a swollen base. Kansas Palms: Baobab Tree Culture and Uses. Fruits are rich in calcium and slightly acidic. However, get too close and you are in for a surprise -- the flowers of the baobab emit a stinky smell, a smell that resembles rotting meat. The Baobab tree fruit is very nutritious and contains a lot of vitamin C and A as well as tartaric acid. Baobabs may not be as tall as the coast redwoods of North America, but their vast bulk makes them a strong contender for the world's largest tree. The bark of the baobab is more porous than regular wood, making it able to absorb moisture like a sponge. Baobab Trees: The Baobab Trees have adapted to the dry season that the savanna experiences and are now able to store water in their large trunks to prepare for the lack of water that the dry season includes. 6 x Potassium of Bananas 4. "The baobab was among the first trees to appear on the land. There are also species, or types, of baobab trees in India , Sri Lanka , and Australia . Others say that the oldest baobab tree is around 3,000 years old. The huge trunks are also used by animals for for shelter. Baobab Tree Facts and Adaptations It has strong branches, impressive trunk and fleshy leaves. For the remainder of the year, the trees remain without any leaves to reduce the amount of water that is lost through transpiration ("Earth Floor: Biomes", n.d.). Next came the slender, graceful palm tree. Baobab trees are found mainly in Africa . A baobab tree can regenerate itself. In South Africa baobab trees grow in the drier parts of Limpopo province. Flies, ants and moths also find the carrion-like smell of the baobab attractive. It is immediately recognized by its enormous trunk and, by scrawny stems and twigs. 1. Baobab tree forms large white flowers after a few years of growing, it also produces fruits that taste well and provide energy. The tree may be tapped in dry periods. Through this adaptation, the baobab can reflect light and heat, keeping it cool under the savannah’s unforgiving sun. Julian holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Texas State University. It also has thick bark which can protect it against fire and helps it to retain more of its moisture. The baobab tree isn’t exactly the kind of plant that plant collectors would rush to bring into their home because The baobab tree has adapted excellently to survive their harsh habitat. There are 9 species of baobab that are native to Madagascar, Africa, Arabian Peninsula and Australia. MEET Malaindrano, a giant baobab tree hollowed out to store water. This is an anatomical adaptation and it affects the leaves of the tree. They are in fact known both for their height and trunk's girth. It can grow to enormous sizes, and carbon dating indicates that they may live to be 3,000 years old. All baobab trees are deciduous, losing their leaves in the dry season, and remain leafless for eight months of the year. The baobab tree has adapted to the savanna biome by only producing leaves during the wet season. Even if … A native of Austin, Texas, Andrea Julian began freelance writing in 2008 while living abroad in Guatemala. The baobab tree is the iconic tree of the African Sahara. It's a source of many legends among the tribes of the area, and is also a rich source of traditional medicine. The African Baobab is a key stone tree species of African sub-Saharan regions. The baobab tree has adapted excellently to survive their harsh habitat. Besides it height and girth, the baobab is also distinct due to its shiny and slick outer bark. Other creatures that find the carrion-like smell of the baobab attractive are flies, moths and ants. General Adaptations The African savannah is a very dry area with 4-10 dry months every year. The tree can store hundreds of liters of water, which is an adaptation to the harsh drought conditions of its environment. It is able to do so due to a number of unique adaptations that it has perfected over the course of its evolution. It is used by either rubbing it on your skin or adding it to your bathwater. The bark from the Baobab tree is pounded to make rope, mats, baskets, bracelets, paper, cloth and even glue. It grows in Ampotaka, a village in the Mahafaly plateau region … This unique adaptation allows the baobab tree to reflect light and heat, keeping it cool in the intense savannah sun. Reflect light and heat, keeping it cool in the wild are the true giants of baobab... 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