I have choses Trees of Africa for my theme for this year,

The first one is the Baobab.

The Baobab is also known as “the tree of Life” or “The Cream of Tartar Tree “or the Brood Boom.

Recent carbon dating done on some of the old large tree has shown that they have dated back about 3000 years.

 The folk stories about the Baobab tree are interesting. One story is that the Baobab tree was not very happy when all the other trees around him were beautiful trees ,so  he complained to God. This made god very angry , and he uprooted the Baobab and re planted him upside down!!

The fruit of the Baobab (cream of tartar) is rich in Vitiam C , antioxidants and probiotics

The Baobab is a good source of water for the indigenous people. They drill a hole in the bark and then plug it with mud, which they can remove later to  obtain more water .

The leaves (which are rich in Vitiam C and potassium tartrate) are boiled in water and left to soak. Once drained., this  water used in small doses,  can be used to help cure malaria, asthma, coughs and other chest ailments. Some people believe that it also helps prevent diabetes, arthritis, allergies, heart conditions and ageing. How much of this is true.. is unknown !!!

The young roots can be cooked and  eaten.

Elephants , Kudu, Nyala and Impala enjoy eating the leaves of the Baobab tree.

Fibre from the inner bark is used to make rope, baskets and nets.

Bees, bee hives, are often found in the hollowed out areas of the Baobab.