BAOBAB – The Mater Of Survival

Imagine a tree that looks as if someone has stuck its roots up into the air – that’s the baobab! This impressive tree grows mainly in Madagascar, but also in some other warm countries in Africa. It is so special that it is often called the “Tree of Life.”

A baobab can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a trunk so thick that 20 children could not wrap their arms around it. Some of these trees are over 1,000 years old – some even older. But what makes this tree so remarkable?

The trunk of the baobab can store huge amounts of water – up to 120,000 liters! This allows it to survive the dry season, even when it hasn’t rained for weeks. Elephants and monkeys take advantage of this and sometimes try to damage the trunk to get to the stored water.

The baobab is also indispensable for people. Its fruits, called “monkey bread,” are edible and contain many important nutrients, including vitamin C – even more than oranges! The baobab’s leaves are sometimes prepared like spinach, and its bark can be used to make strong ropes or baskets.

In Madagascar, the baobab also has great cultural and practical importance. Many villages build their houses near baobabs because they provide shade and food. The trees also serve as important gathering places for the community.

Unfortunately, baobabs are now under threat. Deforestation and climate change are reducing their habitat, and many young baobabs don’t survive to adulthood. That’s why scientists and environmentalists are working to protect the trees and plant new ones.