One of the largest Baobab(Adansonia digitata L.)tree in Nellore

Description:

Taxonomy:binomial= Adansonia digitata L.Family: Bombacaceae This tree is in D.K.Government College for Women, Nellore, A.P,India. The base measures 16 mts in circumference, hight 22mts. It's age is nearly 140 years. The trunk stores water. The bark of older trees is thick and shows wrinkes like an animal. There are 2 more Adansonia trees in the campus but they are not so large. The trunk is hollw and stores water. Gaint baobab trees are rare in India. This tree is a native of Africa. The Europeans brought this tree for the slaves and sailors of Africa. The site was the Collector's bungalow in Britisher's rule.The fruits are large up to 30x 15 cm, cylindrical, and the outer coat is stony with a velvet cover. The pulp of the fruit tastes like a lemonade and it is nutritious also. The leaves are also eaten by Africans. The tree bears leaves oly for 3-4 months. But little is known about the tree in India. It survives in desert like environments. The ripe pods can be stored for months if the pod is not damaged even in humid conditions. It provide shade and shelter for many native birds and animals, and even to the college students.