The African baobab – Adansonia digitata, is a native deciduous tree from the African savannahs.
Found in 31 African countries where the climate is dry, hot and uninhabitable for most plants and people, the baobab stands to become one of the largest living things in the world (Pakenham, 2004), symbolizing the African Savannah more than any other plant.
Baobabs tend to live for approximately 500 years, although some are thought to be 5000 years old.
Also known as the ‘Upside down tree’ the African myth is when God made the world he gave each animal a tree. The Baobab was given to the hyena, who threw it down in disgust- With the tree landing upside down. Resulting in its impressive shape (Pakenham, 2004).
In the dry savannahs of Africa, the baobab has traditionally played an important part in providing food, medicine, clothing, raw materials and protection.
The baobab is widely spread over the African savanna through natural re-production and harvesting the fruit does not affect the species (Gruenwald et al, 2005).
The fruit pulp is commonly chewed and sucked. When mixed with water or milk is provides a cool refreshing drink which is extremely popular with children across the continent due to its tangy, tart flavor (Phytotrade Africa).
In baking, the fruit pulp can be used as a substitute for cream of tartar, added to corn meal and cassava or used in medicine as a replacement for quinine (Pakenham, 2004).
Other uses include uses as hair rinse, milk curdling agent and a repellant for cattle flies when burned (Kurebgaseka, 2005). Fishing floats, cups and snuff boxes are made from the empty seed pods. Even when burnt the ashes are made into soap (Pakenham, 2004).
The seeds can be eaten raw and when roasted produce a nutty flavor.
The Baobab has the ability to withstand the stripping of its bark. It is not injured and new bark is formed like that of the Cork oak tree (Pakenham, 2004). The bark is used for ropes, harnesses, nets, fishing lines, baskets, roof tiles and cloths.
The fruit pulp, leaves, bark and root tubers have all been studied by scientists for their useful properties (Gruenwald et al, 2005).
Baobab fruit pulp benefits from being highly nutritious with a high antioxidant capability, mainly due to its high natural vitamin C content, equivalent to 6 oranges per 100g (Gruenwald et al, 2005).
Vitamin C aids the bodily uptake of iron and calcium of which the pulp contains more than double the same amount as milk. This is why in some regions it is used as a milk substitute in babies (Gruenwald et al, 2005).
The pulp also contains soluble and insoluble dietary fibers with prebiotic effects. It provides a natural source of various vitamins and minerals including phosphorus and potassium. The high levels of pectin make it a useful binding and thickening agent and its acidulous taste being attributed to the presence of organic acids – citric, malic and succinic (Phytotrade Africa).
Baobabs are seen in many countries around the world. Apart form those which have been planted by man in the regions where they are native, or wild-sown- Many too were taken with African slaves to countries where man and trees have now been given their freedom such as the Caribbean and Tropical Asia. St Croix once tasty Danish sugar island and now a prosperous member of the Us Virgin Island has more baobabs then any other island in the Caribbean. In the 17th and 18th centuries the British and Danish planters on St Croix grew fat on African Slaves and plantation sugar. When the wind blew from Senegal and Guinea it brought shiploads of African slaves and somehow the African Baobabs came too. According to Michael Adanson it was an African custom to carry seeds as emergency rations for a journey (Pakenham, 2004).
It is clear that the baobab tree has out lived us all, its history and uses still leaves us in awe. The underlying and most important part on the next chapter in history of the Baobab will be the millions of Africans less privileged then us in the western world who will benefit from the harvesting of its fruits. It is truly the Magical Baobab. (Yozuna 2008)
References:
Gruenwald Dr. J; Galizia M. (2005): Market Brief in the EU for selected natural ingredients derived from native species (Adansonia digitata L. Baobab for the UN conference on Trade and Development).
