Have you ever heard of a tree that not only eats and drinks but also serves as a house to live in, and has an amazing lifespan? Don't worry, let me introduce you to this old urchin of the plant world - the baobab!
This plant boss is not a cover. Not only is it one of the largest and longest-lived plants in the world, but it is also revered as the Tree of Life by the natives of Africa. What? You say it's called a baobab? Is it possible that a monkey who looks like a monkey can still produce bread? Haha, you're thinking too much!
Actually, the baobab tree also has an unsightly sounding nickname called the Dead Mouse Tree. But don't be intimidated by the name, it's a giant tree endemic to Africa that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions, including South Africa, Madagascar, and more.
This tree has three characteristics: old, large, and holy. Let's start by talking about how old it is. The baobab tree is recognized as a thousand-year-old tree in the plant kingdom, and the oldest baobab tree found in Africa has lived for 5,500 years! Imagine that this tree is older than the Egyptian pyramids, and it is simply a living fossil of the plant kingdom!
Some netizens commented: I'm afraid this tree didn't drink the elixir, right? Not to mention, the secret to the longevity of the baobab tree is that it is tenacious. High temperature? Drought? Barren soil? No problem! It is like a stubborn old man, no matter how the world changes, he still sticks to his heart and does not move.
After talking about the old, let's take a look at how big it is. This giant of the plant kingdom usually grows to more than 20 meters tall, and the trunk is so thick that it is said that it takes 40 people to hold hands to wrap around! Someone joked: Is this a tree? It's clearly a hill!
The most interesting thing, though, is its canopy. The branches of the baobab tree are gathered at the top of the tree, and it looks like a bird's nest, like a giant stretching out countless hands to the sky. Some people describe it: This tree is too magical, it feels like it came from an alien world!
Now you know why it's called the Sacred Tree and the Tree of Life, right? Because this tree is simply a lifesaver for the African people!
First of all, it is a mobile granary for the animals. The fruit of the baobab tree is large, thick, and nutritious, making it a bucket for the whole family of the animal kingdom. Imagine a herd of monkeys climbing up the trunk of a tree, nibbling on fruit and screaming happily, and giraffes stretching their necks waiting for a piece of the pie.
Secondly, it is also a natural super tank. In the arid land of Africa, the baobab tree is like a natural reservoir. Some people say: when you get lost in the wild, as long as you find a baobab tree, you will be saved! Not to mention, this tree has saved not a thousand, but eight hundred.
Not only that, but the inside of the trunk of the baobab tree is also a living apartment for various small animals. Birds, squirrels and other small animals make tree hollows their homes, and they can hide in them in case of storms. Even humans would live in hollowed-out baobab trees as a house! Some netizens ridiculed: This is simply the African version of the 'Villa in the Sky'!
Interestingly, the baobab tree is also inextricably linked to an extinct giant bird, the elephant. This bird looks like an ostrich but is larger than an ostrich. Their favorite food is the fruit of the baobab tree. Whenever an elephant bird pecks at a fruit, the seeds in the fruit are carried to various places along with the elephant bird's flight. What's even more amazing is that these seeds are easier to germinate and take root after being digested and processed by elephant birds.
Some people sighed: This is simply nature's 'air express'! Unfortunately, the elephant bird became extinct around the 17th century. Without this courier, it would be difficult for the baobab tree seeds to spread.
Because the baobab tree is so magical, many countries want to introduce it to the past. However, when this old African man went to another place, he was unaccustomed to the water and soil!
For example, in the 90s of the 20th century, China introduced baobab trees to southern China. At first, it went well, but after a few years, it became clear that the trees were getting shorter and smaller. Some experts say that this is because there is too much rain in China, and the wood of baobab trees is soft, and the excess water absorption has caused it to shrink.
Some netizens joked: This is like an African strong man who was suddenly thrown into the water town of Jiangnan, and it is normal to not adapt to it! Others said: This tree can't be homesick, right?
In fact, it is normal for the introduction of alien species to have adaptation problems. It's like when you're suddenly thrown into an unfamiliar environment, and it takes time to get used to it. Researchers are working on a variety of ways to make the baobab tree better adapted to its new environment.
But then again, although the baobab tree has shrunk in China, it is actually a survival adjustment to the environment. Some people say: It's not getting smaller, it's becoming more suitable for China's climate!
Well, after listening to the story of the baobab tree, do you think nature is really amazing? Such a tree can not only eat and drink, but also serve as a house, it is simply an all-rounder in the plant world!
So the question is, if you had the chance to see a real baobab tree, what would you most like to do with it? Do you want to taste its fruits? Or do you want to get into a tree hole and hide? Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section! Don't forget to like and follow, and next time we'll explore more amazing creatures together!