The Baobab Tree

The Baobab tree grows to a height of 90 feet and has roots as deep as the tree is tall. It stores water in its trunk and may store up to 25,000 gallons. Many of the trees we saw are estimated to be over 800 years old. The tree just grows a few millimeters each year.

The fruit has a velvety shell and is about the size of a coconut. It has an acidic, tart flavor, described as somewhere between grapefruit, pear, and vanilla.

Of the nine species, six are native to Madagascar.