Baobab Tree Day
Baobab Tree Day is May 17th
Baobab Tree Day is an Epic Tree Holiday celebrating the Trees on Earth. It is a day to remember the importance of protecting the earth and trees.
The epic silhouette of a baobab tree has become iconic in movies such as Disney's Lion King, Madagascar, and Avatar. They are like no other tree on the planet with a thick bulbous trunk and spiney branches at the top. In the dry season when the branches are bare, the trees look like they were pulled out of the ground and placed upside down with the roots on the top.
Nine species exist of Baobab trees in the genus Adansonia. Two are native to mainland Africa, six to Madagascar, and one to Australia. All nine inhabit low-lying, arid regions with a short wet season and a long hot dry season.
The Baobab Tree is Africa's Iconic Tree of Life
The epic baobab tree is an icon of the African continent and is a big part of traditional African remedies and folklore. It is a symbol of life in a landscape where little else thrives. The baobab is a succulent that absorbs and stores water enabling it to produce fruit in the dry season.
The tree has adapted to the African environment and is a source of survival for the African culture. Every part of the baobab tree is valuable. The bark is used for clothes, textiles, ropes, nets, paper and baskets. The seeds are used for cosmetic oils or to brew a coffee like drink. The leaves and flowers are also edible and typically boiled and eaten. The fruits are large egg shaped pods and offers one of the highest antioxidant nutrients in the world. And if not picked off the tree, the fruit is preserved by hanging on and drying out, still retaining it's nutritional value.
Baobab trees also provide shelter for both humans and animals. They grow up to 30 metres high and have a circumference of up to 50 metres. Found all across Africa, they live up to 5,000 years.
How to Celebrate Baobab Tree Day
Draw a picture of a Baobab Tree
Baobab Trees are an iconic tree representing life and longevity. See if you can draw a baobab tree that showcases these traits and share your drawings.
Plant a Baobab Tree
Baobab is a low maintenance tree and can be grown in pot. It can be planted outside in areas such as southern California or south Florida. Baobab bonsai is famous and is particularly well suited for pot growing.
Share images of Baobab Tree on your social media
Share images of the Baobab Tree on your social media and give a shout out to connect with other tree lovers to share in the appreciation of this epic tree.
How Baobab Tree Day Unites People
Baobab Trees represent life and longevity. Share your favorite, have a baobab tree party or watch an movie based in Africa and see how many baobab trees you can spot.
The Origins of Baobab Tree Day
Baobab Tree Day was created by Patti Jewel and the HolidaySmart Visionary Team. With a team of tree lovers, they decided that there were not enough days to celebrate Trees. The Epic Tree Holidays began with an epic tree being named each month.
