Giant Baobab - Limpopo Province, South Africa

More interesting facts about Baobab trees:

Various parts of the baobab tree have specific and diverse uses for human beings.

The woody shelled fruit contains a whiteish powdery pulp which makes a tart, yet refreshing, drink.

The flesh is rich in tartaric acid, hence the Afrikaans name of Kremetartboom (Cream of tartar tree)

For years, the spongy fibrous bark and wood have been used to make rope, matting and baskets and in more recent times, ceiling boards, paper and even cloth.

The seeds can be ground and roasted to make a tasty coffee like beverage.

Serving such a multitude of purposes, it is no wonder that this Giant Baobab is one of Limpopo’s icons.

Giant Baobab - Limpopo Province, South Africa

The Baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) has one of the longest life spans of Africa’s trees.
Baobabs is said to support its very own ecosystem teeming with life, providing both sustenance and shelter for a diversity of life.
The Baobab tree (Kremetart tree) has become the centre of many Venda legends.
One legend says that the gods were in a light mood when they planted the baobab and thus planted it upside-down with the roots sticking up.
Others say that God decided to plant the tree upside-down in a moment of anger.
Some people believe that the 24 hour flowers are in fact haunted by spirits.
Another legend states that by soaking baobab seeds in water and drinking it you will be safe from crocodiles.
It is a fact that this Giant Baobab tree is more than 2000 years old and she still grown approximately one (1) centimetre per year.

Giant Baobab - Limpopo Province, South Africa

This Giant Baobab tree is the worlds largest and oldest living tree.
It grows close to the Kruger National Park in South Africa and is a tourist attraction.
Her age is more than 2000 years and she is still growing at approximately one (1) cm per year.
In ancient times, kings, elders and leaders held meetings in the shade of the huge Baobab trees.
There were times when humans made homes inside her huge trunks.
The room inside her once served as a fridge for a bush bar during the gold rush days in Leydsdorp
The Baobab or Kremetart tree was declared protected tree under the Forest Act of 1941.
She consists of 80% moisture and stores up to 120,000 litres of water to endure harsh droughts.