Baobab is a tree of African origin with a short bole. The huge tree trunk tapering upwards with spreading branches makes the tree look planted upside down. According to records the tree lives for 2000 years.

Baobab is a deciduous tree, losing its leaves in the dry season. At the end of the dry season, the baobab blooms with large white flowers that hang down on long stalks. The flowers open only at night and are pollinated by bats feeding on the nectar.

The gourd-like fruit with a single stalk hangs from the branches. The hard brownish fruit has several seeds enclosed in a thick pulp. The pulp is edible and is relished. It is rich in citric and tartaric acids, and used in cooling drinks. Monkeys are fond of eating the fruit, hence the common name 'Monkey Bread Tree'.

The trunk is in fact used to store water during dry periods. The soft trunk of the tree when hollowed provides large space. There are cases of people using the hollow trunks of living trees as houses.

The wood is used to make matchsticks and the tree fibre is used for making ropes, bags and strong paper.