Carbon dating has suggested that the baobab can live to 3000 or more years, making them some of the oldest living things on the planet. Their massive trunks and sprawling branches have witnessed countless centuries of history. That means a baobab alive today might well have seen the slow decline of ancient Egyptian civilisation (fun fact: the baobab isn't native to Egypt, but archeologists have found its fruit in Egyptian tombs).
A single tree can store up to 120,000 litres of water in its thick, fibrous trunk, allowing it to survive in arid climates and endure long periods of drought. Its citrusy fruit, sometimes called "monkey bread," is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants.
The trees play a crucial role in their ecosystems. Their flowers, which bloom at night, are pollinated by bats. Various animals, including elephants, rely on the tree for food and water. Elephants often chew on the bark during dry seasons to access the moisture. The baobab tree holds deep spiritual and cultural significance in many African cultures. It's often considered a symbol of strength, resilience, and community. Many local legends and folktales revolve around this iconic tree, with some communities believing that ancestral spirits inhabit them.
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