BETA
Chapter 1
The biology of a survivor
Chapter 2
A global family tree
Chapter 3
Legends of the upside-down tree
Chapter 4
The ecosystem anchor
YOUR GOAL
Master of The baobab tree of life
Ch 3 · Legends of the upside-down tree
artiteacher Legends of the upside-down tree
I reach my roots up high into the blue, Holding an ocean just to pull us through.
artiteacher Many indigenous cultures revere the baobab as a sacred dwelling place for ancestral spirits.
artiteacher Naturally hollowed baobab trunks have historically served as meeting halls, shelters, and even post offices.
Fun Fact
Hollow trunks: Some hollow baobab trunks are so large they have been used as functional post offices and classrooms.
Glossary
baobab (noun)
A tropical African tree with a massive trunk, edible fruit, and gourdlike seeds. In African folklore, a resentful hyena planted this tree upside down to spite the creator.
A tropical African tree with a massive trunk, edible fruit, and gourdlike seeds. In African folklore, a resentful hyena planted this tree upside down to spite the creator.
Quiz
What parts of the baobab look like roots, giving it the 'upside-down' nickname?
Quiz
In Senegal, which respected community members were historically buried inside hollow baobabs?
Quiz
What is a common cultural taboo associated with baobab trees in many African societies?
Quiz
A famous hollow boab tree near Wyndham, Australia, was historically used as what?