One Earth’s “Species of the Week” series highlights the flagship species of each of the 844 unique ecoregions contained within Earth’s bioregions.
The magnificent baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is an icon of the African continent. With bark and fruit offering over 300 life-sustaining uses, it is the root of many Indigenous remedies, traditions, and folklore. Hence its literal nickname, ‘The Tree of Life.’
The baobab tree is an iconic tree native to Africa, Madagascar, and Australia that grows to massive proportions. With its massive trunk and compact crown of leaves, the baobab is a sight to behold But just how tall does this magnificent tree grow? Let’s take a closer look at the towering heights the baobab can reach
A Tree That Defies Gravity
The baobab has a distinct bottle-like or cylindrical trunk that is thicker at the base and tapers towards the top. This allows it to grow tremendously tall without toppling over. The tree seems to defy gravity with its unique shape.
Young baobab trees usually have slender, tapering trunks with a swollen base. As they mature over hundreds of years, their trunks thicken and become incredibly massive. One of the secrets to how baobabs grow so tall lies in their trunk structure.
Reaching for the Skies
A fully mature baobab is a colossal sight The trunk expands to enormous proportions, ranging from 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet) thick Some accounts report trunks swelling up to a mammoth 10 to 14 meters (33 to 46 feet) in diameter!
The trunks grow taller in height as well, with baobabs reaching towering heights between 15 to 30 meters (49 to 98 feet). That’s as tall as a 10 story building! The Sunland Baobab in South Africa has reached dizzying heights of 19 meters (62 feet) to the tips of its branches.
The African Baobab is capable of growing to a lofty 25 to 30 meters (82 to 98 feet) tall at full maturity, The Grandidier’s Baobab found in Madagascar also astounds with mature heights between 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet)
Ancient Trees of Legend
Not only do baobabs grow incredibly tall, they are also some of the longest living trees on Earth. Baobabs can live for more than a thousand years! Some ancient baobab specimens are estimated to be 2,000 to 3,000 years old.
The baobab’s massive trunk has the ability to store large amounts of water. This allows it to survive severe drought conditions over centuries of its long life. The baobab truly is a legendary tree perfected by evolution over millions of years.
Celebrating the Gentle Giant
The majestic baobab captures our imaginations with its colossal size and great age. It is revered as a sacred tree across Africa. The baobab also provides food, water and shelter across the savannas. From its towering heights and mighty trunk, it watches over the land and all who live in its shade.
So just how tall does the gentle baobab giant grow? The tallest baobab known towered to outstanding heights of 30 meters (98 feet). Its massive trunk expanded to record widths of 15 meters (49 feet) thick. The mighty baobab reaches wondrous heights as one of nature’s greatest trees. It is a true icon of our planet that inspires awe in all who gaze upon its splendor.
Giants of the ages
Predating humankind, this prehistoric species is over 200 million years ago. European explorers claimed the trees could live for up to 5,000 years, but carbon dating indicates they may live up to 3,000 years.
Known to reach up to 100 feet tall with a circumference to match, these trees are enormous, providing shelter, food, and water for various life forms. Indigenous African savanna peoples have long centered their communities around these monumental trees.
How to grow a Baobab tree from seed. Full tutorial. #gardening #baobab #tree
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