Baobabs are giants and can grow to 1000 years of age and more under normal conditions. Thus they belong to the oldest and largest flowering trees on Earth. Baobabs do not count as endangered species – but competition rises in their habitats, particularly with respect to arable land for agricultural production.
The adventure of life begins for a Baobab with a drop off the parent tree. Ripe fruit fall from great height to the ground. The survival of a single seed from one tree growing into old age is enough to guarantee its reproduction. On first glimpse that does not sound very serious in terms of reproduction since an adult tree can produce over 200 fruit per season with each fruit bearing up to 300 seeds and more.
Nevertheless ideal conditions for growth are crucial. Reproductive cycles in baobabs are not fully explored yet. Science calls it episodic reproduction, meaning that successful growth of baobabs cannot be assigned to clearly defined periods. Optimum conditions to appear for germination and growth of baobab offspring can take up to 100 years and more, depending on the region. Young trees need a good mix of different factors: sufficient amount of water in appropriate availability, heat, light and nutrients.
One of the most limiting factors is sufficient rainfall, as many baobabs grow in very dry areas. Especially seedlings need water frequently in order to grow. On the other hand, too much water can be harmful – the small roots might die of root rot. Survival becomes easier once the tree forms a taproot which saves water and can bridge periods without rain.
Seeds of baobabs are embedded in the powder of baobab fruit. They are about a centimeter in size and kidney-shaped. A hard seed shell protects its germinable core. The shell can proof to be an obstacle to successful germination. Sometimes bushfires make the seed shell permeable for water and nutrients and therefore support germination.
Nature has devised another trick: The fruit powder has a pleasant taste and is rich in nutrients which are not only appreciated by human beings. Elephants, monkeys and other animals love to eat it – and with the fruit powder they swallow the seeds. These migrate through the digestive tract. Digestive juices soften the hard seed coats, but do not destroy the inside. The seeds drop to the soil with the feces. The latter provides good fertilizer for a favorable growth environment. If temperatures and the amount of water is right, the seeds have a good start in life.
Survival is not guaranteed – even if the seeds manage to germinate successfully. The first months and even years of life can still prove difficult. Cattle, goats, sheep and antelope like to eat leaves and shoots of young baobabs. Only at a growth height of about three meters, they are safe from browsing animals.
Even if they survive their first years reaching maturity is not guaranteed. Bush fires, unexpected climatic changes such as drought or frosts can destroy the giants. Nevertheless – the biggest threat to the trees comes from humans these days.
In some parts of Africa, for example, in Tanzania, people grow cotton which is a land and labor intensive crop with high inputs of resources such as water, fertilizer and so on. The crop is susceptible to a pest called “Cotton Stainer”. The insect leaves red stains on cotton which ruins it for further marketing.
Unfortunately the bug lives on baobabs and the latter was considered to be its host. For this reason, baobabs were cleared off in some regions despite the fact that they were considered to be important trees traditionally. The alleged economic advantage suddenly became more important than the beneficial properties of the baobabs. Meanwhile the bug has been found to migrate to other “host plants” once the baobabs were cut off.
Fungus can inflict damage to the trees and make them die. The disease is known as “sooty disease”. It is easily recognizable because it leaves black spots on trunks and branches. Another cause for fungus and subsequent death is root rot which occurs if baobabs are forced to stand in water for too long.
In itself baobabs are frugal contemporaries that can survive well in dry and almost inhospitable areas with little rain and poor soils. However, considering the factors that must prevail for a baobab to grow into a specimen of 1000 years and more seems like a miracle – one can be called lucky to experience an old giant like that in the wild.
The iconic baobab tree is a truly magnificent sight, standing tall and strong across the African savannas with its massive trunk and sprawling canopy This ancient tree has captivated people for centuries with its unusual, bottle-shaped form and its remarkable longevity, living for thousands of years Join me as we explore the incredible life cycle and stages of growth that transform a tiny baobab seed into these giants of the natural world.
Seedling Stage: Vulnerable Beginnings
The life of a baobab begins when its large, oval seeds germinate and send up the very first tender baobab seedling At this stage, the infant tree is at its most vulnerable, relying on stored nutrients while it works to establish a root system and produce its first true leaves Baobab seedlings have adapted to their dry, harsh environments with lovely silvery-grey leaves that help reflect sunlight and minimize water loss. Their stems become nice and plump, acting as reservoirs to store precious water. It takes time for the seedling to anchor itself and begin branching upwards on its journey to becoming a colossal tree.
Sapling Phase: Establishing Strong Architecture
Once firmly rooted, the baobab sapling invests its energy into structural growth. Its squat trunk takes on the bottle shape that gives baobab trees their distinctive silhouette Smooth bark covers the trunk at first, becoming craggier and more wrinkled looking as the tree ages The sapling also extends its reach skyward, branching out to create its canopy of leaves. Long stalks with multiple oval leaflets emerge, ready to harvest sunlight and exchange gases during photosynthesis. This is an important time of development as the sapling lays down the architecture that will one day support its enormous mass.
Maturing Into a Giant: A Majestic Elder
After many years and even centuries, the baobab reaches the pinnacle of its growth and attains true giant status. Mature baobabs utterly dominate their landscape, with trunks expanding up to 10 meters in diameter and heights exceeding 30 meters. These elder trees have traded smooth trunks for deep, intricate bark crevices that tell the story of their long lives. Their branches twist and turn in all directions, creating wonderfully weird silhouettes on the horizon.
At this stage, a baobab provides critical habitat for wildlife. Birds nest in its boughs while bats pollinate the large, white, fragrant baobab flowers that bloom at night. Antelope and elephants gather in its shade, eating the nutrient-rich leaves and foody seed pods. The majestic baobab nurtures entire ecosystems within its being, truly earning its “Tree of Life” nickname.
Completing the Circle: Seed Production and Rebirth
Even elderly baobabs continue producing the oval, coconut-like fruits that contain the seeds for a new generation. Animals like baboons disperse the seeds across savannas, spreading baobabs far and wide. Once again, the cycle begins as some of these seeds germinate and send up their first delicate shoots. Though an individual tree will eventually die, the iconic baobab lives on by reproducing and regenerating itself over thousands of years.
Appreciating the Baobab’s Remarkable Journey
It’s astounding to envision the transformation of a fragile newborn baobab into a wise old giant, massive in scale and ecological importance. Each baobab follows an incredible journey from seed to sapling to elder tree, persevering through seasonal droughts and hungry herbivores. As we admire these titans in nature, we should feel true awe at their ancient heritage and tenacity. The majestic baobab remains a beautiful, enduring icon of the African landscape.
Video: “Baobabs – why they look the way they do…”
A short video with an attempt to explain why they look the way they do… To watch click on the photo, please.
“Baobabs – Icons of the Savannah”
Publication available in English and German. For more information click on the photo, please.
How to grow a Baobab tree from seed. Full tutorial. #gardening #baobab #tree
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