Baobab Tree: Interesting Facts About Its Healing Powers

This interesting and absolutely magnificent tree is native to Africa and South Africa, it is better known as the Cream of tartar tree or the Brood boom. This tree can reach heights of about 10 to 15m( 32.8 to 49.2 foot) and the stem of the tree is some times between 28 and 35cm (11 to 13 inches) in circumference, making this tree look a bit squat, and some what prehistoric.

This tree grows in hot tropical areas that is completely frost free, it also grows well in hot dry areas such as dessert areas, and is a reliable source of water for the indigenous people the tree can probably contain about 1000 gallons of water, the natives of that area would drill a hole in the stem using a sharp stick or stone, and would then insert a bung, water could then be taped from this tree at will.

Baobab bark is a pinkish grey color sort of like hippo skin, and contains a tragacanth - like gum thick with mucilage, making it very bitter, but the native people still use it as food.

This strangely squat tree is very good for bringing down fevers and some natives believe that it can cure malaria, the leave is boiled and the water that is left after the boiling is done can be taken is small dosages to cure asthma, coughs and other chest related ailments.

The flowers of the tree gives off a unpleasant smell, but they are very large and appealing to the eye, the fruit of the tree is hard shelled and covered with fine hair, this contains the seed in a white pulp containing tartaric acid hence the name of the tree. These seed are considered refreshing to suck and when boiled or soaked in water they make a refreshing lemony flavored drink. Some natives believe that drinking the water that the seeds were soaked in would protect them from crocodiles.