Not elder law: A really old tree

The baobab tree can live for several thousand years. It often grows inarid climates and has an unusual appearance. Because of its bulboustrunk (which stores water) and leafless top (during the dry season),it’s often called the upside-down tree. Water is stored in its thicktrunk for use during dry times. The tree’s bark quickly regenerates andis often harvested by animals, such as elephants and camels, and bypeople, who weave the bark into baskets, nets, hats, rugs, and otheritems. The baobab’s leaves, roots, fruits, and seeds are also used bynative peoples for food and medicine. The naturally hollow trunks ofbaobab trees, which can often hold dozens of people, have served asmuseums, prisons, post offices, and shelters.

Sources: Christian Science Monitor, ‘Sahara,’ by Michael Palin; BBC; www.ecoworld.org