Our gorgeous Baobab tree was spotted flowering in early March, during the day! Thanks to this rarity, it has been chosen as our species of the month.
The Baobab tree is probably the most iconic tree species in Africa. It is pollinated by bat species during the night and is thus very rarely seen flowering during the daytime.
With a diameter of up to 14m across the trunk, this massive tree species can live to well over 2,000 years old. It gets its Afrikaans name (“Kremetartboom”) from the beautiful white flowers, or more specifically from the sour powder in the seed pods, which can be used similarly to Cream of Tartar when baking.
We all know this Baobab near Farmhouse Crossing - but what an unexpected sight to see it flowering!
Words & images by Tess Woollgar