The ecosystem anchor

The baobab tree of life

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 4 · The ecosystem anchor

Topsy-Turvy Baobab

BETA

artiteacher Build an upside-down baobab to discover how this giant tree supports African wildlife.

artiteacher The ecosystem anchor

I've got an ocean of rain locked inside my trunk to keep the savanna alive!

artiteacher The power of the superfruit

Night-blooming bat magnets

artiteacher Large, white baobab flowers open only at night and are pollinated primarily by fruit bats.

The power of the superfruit

artiteacher Baobab fruit pods contain a dry, powdery pulp that is exceptionally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Fun Fact

Baobab fruit: Baobab fruit is the only fruit in the world that dries naturally on the branch without rotting.

Gossip

Would you try baobab fruit powder in your smoothie?

Quiz

Why is harvesting baobab bark considered a highly sustainable practice?

artiteacher Night-blooming bat magnets

Quiz

Baobab fruit powder is famous for containing six times more of which nutrient than oranges?

artiteacher The ultimate savanna supermarket

Quiz

What do local artisans weave using the stripped bark of the baobab tree?

artiteacher Threading the bark

Quiz

What is the popular nickname given to the dry fruit pods of the baobab?

Quiz

For how long does an individual baobab flower remain open before fading?

Quiz

Which nocturnal creature is the primary pollinator of night-blooming baobab flowers?

Quiz

What unique feature of baobab fruit helps it stay preserved on the branch?

Quiz

Which animal is known to chew on baobab bark during droughts to extract moisture?