Baobab Tree, Banana Fibre Model, Kenya
This model of a baobab tree is from Kenya, and is made of banana fibre.
The baobab tree is known variously as the ‘tree of life’, the ‘talking tree’, the ‘monkey-fruit tree’ and the ‘dead rat tree’. It grows in the African savannahs, Madagascar and Australia. It can grow up to more than 30m high and as its branches without their leaves look more like roots; it is striking and always stands out in the landscape. Some trees have been carbon dated to show that they are over 2000 years old. For much of the year (the dry season) the tree looks dead as it is without leaves, but in fact its massive trunk acts as a succulent and stores water. The tree’s enormous white flowers last for a single day and are followed by large seed pods that are covered by a greyish felt-like substance. These hang from the trees by a long stalk like a tail.
Every part of the tree is put to some use by people: its bark is used for cloth and rope, the leaves are used in food and as medicines, the fruit is rich in vitamin C, the seeds are used to make wine. Trees also provide shelter and food for animals.
There are many stories told about the baobab. Many tell of how, after Creation, the animals were each given a tree to plant, and the hyena planted the baobab upside-down because it talked too much.
A Tanzania version tells of its origin:
Among the first trees God created in Africa was the mighty Baobab. Next came the tall slender palm tree and when the Baobab saw it, it cried out wanting to be taller. Then God made the Flame tree with its beautiful lowers and the Baobab was envious and asked God to give it flowers. Then the Baobab saw the magnificent Fig tree with its foliage and fruit and again cried out to God demanding fruit. God was very angry and pulled the Baobab tree up by its roots and turned it upside down to keep it quiet. This is the reason for the unusual shape of the Baobab tree!
Some story books:
Bash, Barbara Tree of life: the world of the African baobab
Hunter, Bobby Dooley The legend of the African baobab tree
Moss, Miriam This is the tree: a story of the baobab
Robinson, Cindy Baby baobab
Stowell, Louie The baobab tree
Height:70cm
Height:70cm
This model of a baobab tree is from Kenya, and is made of banana fibre.
The baobab tree is known variously as the ‘tree of life’, the ‘talking tree’, the ‘monkey-fruit tree’ and the ‘dead rat tree’. It grows in the African savannahs, Madagascar and Australia. It can grow up to more than 30m high and as its branches without their leaves look more like roots; it is striking and always stands out in the landscape. Some trees have been carbon dated to show that they are over 2000 years old. For much of the year (the dry season) the tree looks dead as it is without leaves, but in fact its massive trunk acts as a succulent and stores water. The tree’s enormous white flowers last for a single day and are followed by large seed pods that are covered by a greyish felt-like substance. These hang from the trees by a long stalk like a tail.
Every part of the tree is put to some use by people: its bark is used for cloth and rope, the leaves are used in food and as medicines, the fruit is rich in vitamin C, the seeds are used to make wine. Trees also provide shelter and food for animals.
There are many stories told about the baobab. Many tell of how, after Creation, the animals were each given a tree to plant, and the hyena planted the baobab upside-down because it talked too much.
A Tanzania version tells of its origin:
Among the first trees God created in Africa was the mighty Baobab. Next came the tall slender palm tree and when the Baobab saw it, it cried out wanting to be taller. Then God made the Flame tree with its beautiful lowers and the Baobab was envious and asked God to give it flowers. Then the Baobab saw the magnificent Fig tree with its foliage and fruit and again cried out to God demanding fruit. God was very angry and pulled the Baobab tree up by its roots and turned it upside down to keep it quiet. This is the reason for the unusual shape of the Baobab tree!
Some story books:
Bash, Barbara Tree of life: the world of the African baobab
Hunter, Bobby Dooley The legend of the African baobab tree
Moss, Miriam This is the tree: a story of the baobab
Robinson, Cindy Baby baobab
Stowell, Louie The baobab tree
- Term:
- Description:
- Succulent
- Full of juice or sap, with thick, fleshy, water-storing leaves or stems.
