The wood of baobab tree can store a lot of water, so it is known as the "tree of life" in Africa. Baobab trees are mainly distributed in the islands of Africa, Mediterranean, Atlantic and Indian oceans and northern Australia, but no matter where they grow, the trunk of baobab trees is very thick, but the wood is very loose, which can be described as strong outside and hollow inside. This kind of wood is best for storing water. In the rainy season, baobabs use their stout bodies and soft wood instead of roots to absorb and store a lot of water. Its xylem is like a porous sponge, which contains a lot of water. It is said that it can store thousands of kilograms or more of water, which is simply a large water storage tower in the wilderness.
The fruit of baobab tree is "super fruit", and this "natural bread" has saved the lives of thousands of hungry people. The fruit of baobab tree is oblong and grayish white, about15-20cm long. Its calcium content is more than 50% higher than that of spinach, and its antioxidant content is three times that of orange. Therefore, it is also called "super fruit". It tastes delicious and juicy, contains organic acids and gums, and tastes slightly sour. It can be eaten raw, and can also be used to make cool drinks and condiments. Fruit shell can be used as ladle, meat can be eaten raw, and juice can be used as tea. In several famines in African history, this kind of "natural bread" saved the lives of thousands of hungry people.
The leaves and seeds of baobab trees can be eaten, and the fruits, leaves and bark can be used as medicine, so they are all treasures. The leaves of baobab trees are edible and delicious. They are rich in vitamins and calcium. Their fresh and tender leaves are very popular vegetables for local people. They can be used to make soup or feed horses. After drying and mashing, it can also be used as seasoning. There are many seeds hidden in the pulp, and the oil content of the seeds is as high as 15%. The squeezed oil is light yellow, which is first-class edible oil. The seeds can be fried and mixed with grain.
The fruit, leaves and bark of African baobab tree can be used as medicine, which can diminish inflammation, reduce fever and treat malaria, and has the effects of nourishing stomach and gallbladder, clearing away heat and swelling, stopping bleeding and diarrhea, calming the nerves and calming the mind. Scientists isolated a substance from baobab tree that can inhibit the formation and expansion of gastric cancer cells, thus revealing the mystery that Africans who often eat baobab trees hardly suffer from gastric cancer.
The pulp of baobab leaves and fruits is still a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug in the local area. Locals also like to mash their flowers and leaves and apply them to their bodies, which has the effect of slimming and beautifying. The bark of baobab tree is also rich in cellulose, which can be used to make strings of musical instruments, make paper and make ropes. People used to use it to make coarse cloth.
Baobab tree is also a natural "storage room", which is used as a corral or water storage room and storage room in Africa. The wood of baobab tree is light and soft, and it has no use value at all. But interestingly, local residents often hollow out the middle of the trunk and move in, forming a very unique natural "cottage". Some residents also use hollowed-out tree trunks as corral, water storage room and storage room. Surprisingly, food stored in the hole of baobab tree can be preserved for a long time and will not rot.
Conclusion People say that baobabs are alive. As long as there are baobabs, we don't have to worry about water when traveling in the desert. What else do you know about African baobabs?