Description: One of the largest trees in the world, thought to become more than 2000 years old, and while only to 18 m tall, the swollen trunk attains a diameter of more than 10m, is of pulpous wood without growth rings. Leaves deciduous, digitately compound with leaflets 12 cm long; large 18cm solitary, scented, pendulous white flowers with purplish stamens; oblong, woody, hairy fruit 30cm long, which also earns it the name 'Dead rat tree'. Tropical climate.

Uses: Game and domestic browsers utilize the leaves, flowers and bark. The roots can be tapped for water. Fibre from the inner bark can be used for a variety of woven articles. The leaves, rich in vitamin C and sugars, can be cooked as a green vegetable. The pulp inside the fruit can be mixed with water or milk and makes a refreshing drink. The seeds can be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee.
The flowers gives of a strong musky smell which attracts the pollinators (mostly fruit bats and bushbabies).
The baobab is also the only tree able to regenerate bark directly from an exposed wood surface.

Afri can Trees Web Site (as of 09/01/01)

Malvaceae

Subfamily Bombacoideae Tribe Adansonieae