What is the baobab tree and why is it special?
The baobab (Adansonia digitata) is unmistakable — a massive, swollen trunk that can store thousands of litres of water, topped by a relatively small canopy of branches. The tree lives for extraordinary periods — some specimens are believed to be over 2,000 years old. In Senegal and across West Africa, the baobab is central to daily life: its fruit, leaves, bark and seeds all provide food, medicine and materials.
What does the baobab flower look like?
Baobab flowers are large — up to 12cm across — with five broad white petals surrounding a dense mass of white stamens. They hang pendulously from the branches on long stalks and open only at night, when they emit a faint sweet scent that attracts fruit bats and hawkmoths as pollinators. By morning the flowers have fallen, covering the ground beneath the tree in white.
Growing baobab in the UK
Baobab trees cannot survive UK winters outdoors. However, young baobabs can be grown from seed as fascinating specimen container plants. Seeds germinate readily after soaking for 24 hours in warm water. Grow in very free-draining, sandy compost with as much sun as possible. In winter, water very sparingly — the tree is dormant and rot is the main risk. Keep frost-free year-round.
Flor nacional de Senegal
La flor nacional de Senegal es la flor del Baobab (Adansonia digitata), el árbol sagrado de África Occidental conocido como el Árbol de la Vida. Sus flores son grandes y blancas, se abren por la noche y son polinizadas por murciélagos. El baobab puede vivir más de mil años.