The baobab tree, a species of Adansonia in the Malvaceae family, grows in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Considered sacred in Africa, it is believed that drinking its sap prolongs life. Living for approximately 3,000 years and reaching enormous sizes, the baobab tree is also known as the “Tree of Life.” With its unusual appearance, the tree boasts a massive trunk capable of storing approximately 120 tons of water.
Baobab trees also grow in parts of Africa and Madagascar where severe droughts prevail. In these regions, which receive rainfall only for short periods of time each year, the trees make the most efficient use of the rainwater. Like a reservoir, their bodies store small amounts of rainwater, thus providing the water they need throughout the year.
The quest for immortality: The Egyptian Pharaohs. The presence of the tree’s fruit in tombs reinforces the belief that it prolongs life. Because of its strange appearance, some African natives believe that the trees were punished for angering the gods, and therefore were created upside down with their roots hanging in the air. Another belief is that the baobab tree was first created by a god, but the devil, jealous of the tree’s splendor and beauty, turned it upside down.
Characteristics of the Baobab Tree
The baobab tree, which gives life to Africa, is used by the people for livelihood, medicine, and shelter. The tree has an unusually thick trunk, and its branches and leaves are tiny in comparison to its trunk. Known to have 8 different species, the tree reaches 18 meters in height, 30 meters in trunk circumference, and 9 meters in diameter. It is a deciduous tree, remaining leafless for 8 months of the year. Its trunk has a spongy and soft texture.
This tree, which can live for 3,000 years, has the power to heal itself if damaged by any accident. This is why it lives for so long. Root-like branches grow upside down on a cylindrical trunk. The branches bloom with sweet-smelling flowers, about 2.5 cm in size, between October and December. The flowers, which open during the day, turn brownish at night and form seeds.
The baobab tree has a fleshy and sour fruit the size of an orange. Local people called the fruit of the tree “Monkey bread”. As the branches hang down, a dome-like appearance emerges. The baobab tree grows in 32 African countries and Australia. The places where it is most common in Africa are known as Senegal and Madagascar.
Benefits of the Baobab Tree
Baobab tree is used in many areas where it grows, due to its therapeutic effect. The leaves of the tree are consumed as a vegetable when they first appear. The tree, whose trunk is a water reservoir, is used to quench thirst. The sour fruits can be eaten by pouring sugar on them.
While the wood of the tree is used to make paper, the fibers in its bark are used to make strong ropes. Since the body shells are 10 cm thick, the papers made reach large quantities. A substance called Adasonina, which is used in antipyretic treatments, is obtained from the leaves and bark. There is a dry powder inside the fruits that envelops the hard and black seed. Drinks are made from this powder and used as a pain reliever treatment method.
Baobab oil is obtained from the fruits of the tree. The resulting oil is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, F and carotene. For this reason, the oil is very beneficial for hair and skin. It is widely used in skin care and moisturizing. At the same time, Baobab oil is also used as an anti-aging, as it is effective in regenerating cells.
Since the baobab tree is a plant species that grows in tropical areas, it is not possible to grow it in Turkey. Since it is a long-lived tree, it takes years to grow after planting. After planting, it remains as a seedling for a very long time. The tree, which is under protection, is produced by the African people in a controlled and supervised manner.
