The African Baobab Trees: Fascinating Facts, Spiritual Significance and Threat Posed to Them

2

Baobab trees, scientifically known as Adansonia Digitata are one of Africa's iconic trees with very fascinating facts that most of us have never known before this article. The trees are today the oldest living organism in the world, dating back to millions of years. Baobab trees are also referred to as 'the Tree of Life' for their amazing survival mechanism in all weather conditions. 


The African Baobab Tree

Scientists will call the tree a succulent plant, which means that during the rainy season, it absorbs and stores water in its huge trunk, enabling it to produce a nutrient-dense fruit in the dry season when all areas around are dry and arid. The Baobab tree can store up to 75% water in its trunks. This water which is stored in the cells of its trunk gives the tree its characteristic swollen shape.


A baobab tree in Kenya
A Baobab tree in Kongo River, Kwale, Kenya.

According to BAO-MED, a Babobab research organization, the tree originated in Africa millions of years ago and spread over time to other parts of the world, developing into new sustainable species. There are 9 (nine) species of the plant, 6 (six) are native to Madagascar, 2 (two) grow on the African mainland, and 1 (one) specie is found in Australia. In Africa, Baobab trees grow in over 32 African countries, Kenya being one of them.


The trees mainly grow on the African savannah where the climate is extremely dry symbolizing the existence of life, positivity, and beauty in a landscape where little else can thrive, more so, in those harsh conditions. Another fascinating thing about the Baobab tree is that it can live up to 5,000 years, reaching 30 meters high, and has a huge circumference of 50 meters. Click a Tree, has it in their article that the oldest baobab tree on record was the Panke baobab in Zimbabwe which lived to be 2,450 years old. Amazing, isn't it?


(getButton) #text=(Buy The African in Me by Martin Chiro) #file=(Get the softcopy book at $4.00 now) #icon=(buy) #size=(1) #color=(#bd2323) #info=(Buy Now)


Leaves from the Baobab tree are used as food for neighboring communities. BAO-MED writes that the leaves are, "boiled and consumed the same way as spinach." The tree may carry its leaves for a certain period during the summer and later shade them off during extremely dry seasons. Passing by the tree during this period, you might think that it is drying up but that is not the case. A little rain and the tree turns green again. 


Baobab tree in Botwana
Boabab tree in Chone National Park, Botswana. 


Baobab fruits are the only world fruit that naturally dries on the branch where it is then harvested. After baking in the sun for 6 months, the baobab's prickly green, furry-coated fruit shell transforms into a smooth brown, coconut-like shell. To see the edible and naturally dehydrated fruits, one may be required to use a hammer to crack-open the shell. Additionally, Baobab fruits are known to be one of the world’s superfoods, they contain more vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers than almost any other fruit on the planet.


Baobab seeds naturally take the shape of a kidney. They are dark brown, approximately one centimeter long, and have a soft interior. Inside the fruit is a dry-white fruit powder in which the seeds are stored. They are connected in a loose network of brown fibers. Incredibly, the fruits have a natural shelf life of 3 years therefore no preservatives or additives are needed in their storage. The seeds are also rich in oil which can be extracted from them and used to make skin and hair-care products.


harvested baobab fruit
Harvested baobab fruits (Photo courtesy aduna.com)


Baobab trees generally serve as shelter and many African communities especially those living in the savannah have made their homes near Baobab trees for this reason. With their enormous appearance, and, when a little bit of craftiness is applied, the tree transforms into a magnificent house. The Baobab trees' barks on the other side can also be used to produce rope and clothing.


In other news, the largest of the Baobab species is the African Baobab. It is confirmed by The Guinness Book of World Records that the largest ever-lived Baobab is the Sagole Big Tree located in Masisi, Vhembe, South Africa, near the border with Zimbabwe. The Sagole has a very large base that covers 60.6 m² and a height of 19.8 m. Its aboveground dry mass is estimated to be 54 tonnes. In simpler terms, the tree had a height close to the length of a football field.


Wondering where to see those trees apart from visiting Africa or Australia? Baobab trees are not only famous in African societies and folklore, but thanks to Hollywood for giving them a significant role in its movies. In Disney’s Lion King, the tree serves as (Rafiki) the monkey’s favorite tree while in Avatar it is depicted as the 'Tree of Souls'. Baobab praises can also be found in books like the famous children's novel, 'The Little Prince'.


What are the benefits and spiritual significance of Baobab trees?

Baobab trees have earned the name 'Tree of Life' not only from their resilience in harsh weather conditions but also their countless benefits. The benefits range from numerous health and environmental impacts to social and spiritual significance. 


Mabuyu a product from baobab trees
Edible 'mabuyu,' a product from Baobab fruits (Photo: Nairobi News)


#1. The medical benefit of Baobab trees

Baobab barks, leaves, and fruits are known traditionally to treat almost any health disorder just as Neem Tree does. They treat malaria, tuberculosis, fever, microbial infections, diarrhea, anemia, toothache, and dysentery. Baobab powder which is very rich in vitamin C helps contribute to normalizing energy release in the body, boosts immune function, and helps in natural skincare. Click A Tree also reveals that the oil pressed from Baobab seeds is also a suitable ingredient in skincare and hair care products.

#2. Baobab trees as environmental protectors

Baobab trees play a very significant role in the ecosystem of the dry African Savannahs. Mainly, the trees help keep the soil humid, slow down soil erosion in those areas, and recycle essential nutrients from the environment. Many animals also find food, water, and shelter in Baobab trees. Another environmental importance, the flowers of Baobab trees attract bats and Hawkmoth birds who in turn help in pollination. During the dry seasons, Elephants eat the bark for its moisture. 

#3. The social role of Baobab trees

As stated earlier, Baobab trees are good 'friends' of human beings. Some communities have turned these enormous trees into beautiful shelters. They also provide shade and some communities in Savannah Africa have used them as classrooms. Traditionally, they were used as courts. Baobab fruits are also a favorite snack for most East African women. Mabuyu is the name in Swahili after the seeds have been decorated and cooked with food color. The site of Mabuyus being sold in the Kenyan Coast markets is very attractive. It is true to say that the fruits in the market act as an enhancer for social interactions between buyers and sellers. 

#4. The spiritual significance that Baobab trees play

As a major African symbol, Baobab trees go beyond providing shade and nourishment to taking a central part of traditional legends and spirituality.  According to Sun International, Baobabs are believed to be spirit trees and trees of wisdom. Traditionally, kings and elders held meetings under Baobab trees with the belief that the tree spirits would guide them in making wise decisions. In modern times, Baobab trees are recognized as a symbol of life and positivity because of their resilient nature. Among the Mijikenda community in Kenya, Baobab trees are used as places of worship. Most Kayas, Mijikenda Shrines, are located in areas around Baobabs.


Threats posed to Baobab trees today 

With the many benefits that Baobab trees bring, it is sad to realize that some communities or certain groups in society do not value that or are ignorant of those facts. Aduna Website, in its Baobab project in Ghana, claims that 95% of people have never heard of Baobab trees and their significance. This has motivated the organization to launch its campaign to make Baobab trees famous and turn the inspiring possibility of Baobabs into a reality. This is the right move, especially in a world where the destruction and loss of forest cover are a growing concern.


Join our Facebook Group for similar debates <<Click Here>>


In some areas such as the coast of Kenya, there has been an alarming threat posed to Baobab trees. In the process of clearing forests for farming, and before government intervention, some coastal farmers had been cutting down Baobab trees. The move steered mixed reactions from environmental activists, politicians, the government, and farmers. The affected farmers claimed that Baobab trees were dehydrating the lands leaving little water for their plants. 


On the other side, as reported by The Nation Magazine in November 2022, politicians from the coast were leading in opposing the uprooting of Baobabs for export to Georgia, USA by a private company. However, the government's intervention has been with no significant change, and reports indicate that Baobab trees especially in Kilifi County are still under threat. Most politicians and environmental crusaders have blamed corruption for this act that may later cost our environment. Also, cutting down Baobab trees on the coast is not only a harm to the environment but also a destruction of Mijikenda history. Baobabs played a critical role in Mijikenda's resistance against colonialism, it is said that the heroine, Mekatilili wa Menza, hid in one such tree at River Sabaki.


Uprooted Baobab tree in Kilifi Bay, Kenya.

Cutting Baobab trees for whatever reasons should be discouraged especially at a time when the world is experiencing global warming. We should plant more trees not cutting down some. If no action is taken immediately, some of the Baobab trees might go extinct in 100 years' time as estimated by World Book. In their article, 'Baobab in Danger,' World Book blames habitat loss and illegal hunting which has reduced the population of African elephants who are largely responsible for the dispersal of Baobab seeds.


(getButton) #text=(Buy The African in Me by Martin Chiro) #file=(Get the softcopy book at $4.00 now) #icon=(buy) #size=(1) #color=(#bd2323) #info=(Buy Now)


From this article, we can see that Baobab trees are more advantageous than we previously thought. I believe that this article will add a voice to the Baobab conservation movement, a voice that will sensitize people to protect and plant more Baobab trees. A voice that will invoke the necessary reactions from all stakeholders especially national environmental agencies, to protect Baobab trees on the Kenyan coast and all over the world.


What new thing did you learn about these iconic African trees, Baobabs? Kindly leave your response in the comment section below.

Post a Comment

2Comments

What is your opinion about the article you have just read? Let us know.

  1. The article is fascinating and the baobab trees should be protected at all cost

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your contribution and yes Baobab trees should be protected.

      Delete
Post a Comment

#buttons=(Accept !) #days=(20)

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Privacy Policy
Accept !