Trees of life: the bizarre nature of the 'upside-down tree'

Welcome, everyone. In honor of St. Valentine’s Day (Saturday, the 14th), let’s remember the Latin phrase “Amor vincit omnia” – translation at column end, no fair peeking.

I received an email from faithful Medina Weekly reader Kathleen Gibbons asking me to feature an article about the bizarre “upside-down trees,” or the “trees of life,” better known as baobab trees.

As a sheer coincidence, it seems the world-renowned horticulturist and plant whisperer Professor U.R. Stulittle (D.I.G. – Doctor in Gardening) is researching the baobab tree. He just sent back this informative report from the town of Tshipise in Limpopo province, South Africa.

This is the sacred home of the world’s largest baobab tree, named by local villagers the Sagole baobab, meaning “tree that roars.” Prof. Stulittle explains this stately tree measures 72 feet tall with a crown diameter of 125 feet. Its trunk circumference is 108 feet, requiring 20 grown men, without stretched arms, to reach around the tree base. Tribal culture honors the Sagole baobab, given its ancient age of 1,200 years.

Native to the African savanna, the baobab grows in 32 African countries, as well as Madagascar (the world’s fourth-largest island) and Australia. It belongs to the genus Adansonia. Baobabs can grow to more than 80 feet tall, with a bulbous trunk and notable wild, Medusa-like branches. In reality, the tree acts like a giant succulent. Legend has it the gods planted baobabs upside down to teach them humility.

The tree of life is one of the most useful trees in the world and among the oldest living trees on Earth, living between 3,000 and 5,000 years. Due to weak tree rings, scientists use radiocarbon dating to determine their age.

A single tree provides food, water and shelter to humans and animals. Consider the tree trunk is 80% water, with the ability to store more than 1,200 gallons. Baobabs are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves, and have white, night-blooming flowers that smell like rotting meat and are pollinated at night by bats. The bark and wood are soft and fibrous while also being fire-resistant, providing food, medicine and other raw materials for more than 300 uses. Baobab fruits are large, woody pods about 18 inches long and oval-shaped. They are considered superfruits, rich in calcium, iron, potassium and vitamin C, and are vital for treating illness, reducing fevers and stimulating the immune system.

Growing baobab trees help keep dry savanna soils moist, slowing erosion and recycling precious nutrients.

These exceptional and unique trees are symbols of life, resilience, strength and wisdom. One last tidbit of baobab information from Prof. Stulittle – only Florida, Southern California, Texas and Arizona have suitable climates for growing baobab trees in the United States.

Thanks, Prof., and a special thanks to Kathleen for the great topic idea.

Herb vs. spice

What’s the difference? Herbs are the leafy, green, fragrant, flowering parts of plants – for example, basil, parsley and rosemary. Spices are dried roots, bark, seeds or fruit – for example, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. Herbs lend a more subtle, fresh flavor. Spices impart stronger, more intense or pungent flavor. Herbs are used fresh or dried. Spices are usually dried and often ground. Herbs are typically added at the end of cooking, whereas spices are added at the beginning to withstand heat. One exception is cilantro – the leaves are an herb, while the seeds are the spice coriander.

Until next time – love conquers all. Happy Valentine’s Day.