Dead Rat Tree, Adansonia Digitata - Plant

The Dead-rat tree, botanical name is Adansonia digitata but it is also known in English language as African baobab, Baobab of Mahajanga (Madagascar), Cream-tartar tree, and Dead-rat tree.

The baobab tree is regarded as being the largest tree in Africa and the largest succulent plant in the world, it is leafless for nine months of the year.Adansonia digitata (baobab) is the most widespread of the Adansonia species, and is native to the African continent. The long-lived pachycauls are typically found in dry, hot savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa, where they dominate the landscape, and reveal the presence of a watercourse from afar.Their growth rate is determined by ground water or rainfall,and their maximum age, which is subject to much conjecture, seems to be in the order of 1,500 yea They have traditionally been valued as sources of food, water, health remedies or places of shelter and are steeped in legend and superstition. Explorers of old were inclined to carve their names on baobabs, and many are defaced by modern graffiti.Common names for the baobab include dead-rat tree (from the appearance of the fruit), monkey-bread tree (the soft, dry fruit is edible), upside-down tree (the sparse branches resemble roots) and cream of tartar tree (cream of tartar).