A - 2025 - ADANSONIA DIGITATA (BAOBAB TREE)

The Adansonia Digitata or Baobab Tree is a true throwback to ancient times. This iconic tree is commonly found in the Limpopo Province, the northern regions of KZN and the southern and western provinces of Zimbabwe.  The larger specimens are thousands of years old.

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

Locally it is called the upside down tree because, without leaves, it looks like the tree has been uprooted and upended. The tree grows to enormous heights and girth. It has a rounded or spreading crown and a grey trunk which is smooth with many folds which assist in retaining moisture within the tree’s trunk.

The large waxy white flowers are approximately 20cm in diameter. They have rather an unpleasant odour and are solitary, pendulous with numerous stamens. The petals bruise easily and become brown on contact. The flowers hang upside down and the fruit is a large, oval pod covered in yellowish-grey velvety hairs.  It splits open to reveal cream-coloured, powdery capsules which coat the seed. The tree is also known locally as the Kremetartboom (Cream of Tartar tree) as it is a major producer of cream of tartar. Children in areas where baobabs live eat the fruit as an original 'sour' sweet candy.

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

There are several notable “big trees” which are worth visiting.  The infamous Victoria Falls (in Zimbabwe) Big Tree is a tourist attraction. 

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

In South Africa, the Sagole Baobab located between Tsepise and the Kruger National Park Pafuri Gate has a trunk diameter of 10.47 meters.  It is also home to a flock of the rare Mottled spinetail.The Baobab’s natural habitat is dry woodland. It provides nesting sites for birds and elephants strip the bark to get water and other nutrients.

(Source: https://www.plantbook.co.za/adansonia-digitata/)

NATURAL BENEFITS

Wherever possible, I'll include edible or medicinal benefits of the South African indigenous plants which I highlight.

Baobab - Cream of Tartar Tree

The tree is sometimes referred to as the "cream of tartar tree" or, more usually in South Africa, the "kremetartboom" because the fruit pulp contains tartaric acid, which is a key ingredient in cream of tartar, a common baking ingredient. The baobab fruit contains high levels of antioxidants, potassium and phosphorus, vitamin C, calcium and fibre.

(Source: https://www.theguardian.com/)

The baobab fruit is a large, woody fruit which contains a tangy, sweet, and slightly sour powder. It is 

 used in drinks, baking, and as a natural sweetener. 

Throughout Africa, the baobab tree is one of significance and superstition. Parts of the tree are used to treat malaria and infertility. On occasion, women give birth inside its hollow trunk.