The Baobab

Pic: natureworkshop.com

 

Written by Young Farmers’ Clubs

This post is a bit different to what we usually write about.

In this post we’ll be looking at one of our indigenous trees, the Baobab (Adansonia digitata). Also known as the “upside down” tree, monkey bread tree, cream of tartar tree and the “Tree of Life”.

Quick Facts

• It is one of the oldest species of trees, dating back 6000 years
• It can store more than 120,000 litres of water
• It can survive in dry conditions for as long as 500 years

The baobab tree is mostly found throughout the South-east lowveld, South-west lowveld and the Zambezi valley in Zimbabwe. The tree produces long green or brown fruits, that contain a whitish pulp and kidney-shaped seeds. This tree has proved to have many amazing uses, the bark is used to make rope, mats, baskets, paper and cloth as well as many different types of craft work. In addition, the tree is used for social gatherings, where the local community can come together and discuss community issues, as well as ritual sites and burial grounds by local traditional leaders.

Nutritional Benefits

• Baobab fruit powder is exceptionally nutritious, containing high natural levels of dietary fibre, antioxidants, essential minerals including calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium
• The vitamin C content is said to be 6 times higher than that of an orange. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage by free radicals as well as aiding the absorption of iron and calcium
• Baobab fruit is a good source of calcium with 100mg of baobab fruit providing between 116 to 370mg
• Contains pectin- pectins are important for aiding digestion and balancing blood sugar levels
• Baobab contains both soluble and insoluble fibres to aid intestinal health and promote healthy gut flora

Other uses

• Leaves can be boiled and eaten
• The pollen can be used to make glue
• The powder, nutritious fruit pulp (cream of tartar) can be used in health or food supplements
• The powder can be used in confectionary e.g. cakes, scones and muffins
• The oil is used commercially in the medicinal and cosmetics industry. For example to produce soaps, cleansers, moisturisers, coloured make-up, hair and sun-care products

As the tree has many uses and benefits,this also results in ecological and environmental degradation. Therefore there is need for local and national government to create measures that ensure ecological and environmental sustainability.