The African Baobab, Adansonia Digitata, has over 100 different recorded names for the tree. Known as the Dead Rat Tree, Cream of Tartar Tree, Mock Cotton Tree, Monkey Bread Tree, Upside Down Tree, Kremetert (Afrikaans), Mbuyu (Swahili), and many many other names. 

​

This legendary tree has ben widely cultivated for agricultural, horticultural, and sociocultural reasons for many hundreds of year. 

​

The leaves of the Digitata Baobab can be used to treat fevers, when they aren't being eaten as salad. The fruit is widely harvested and used for food, drinks, and more popularly, international exports. The roots of the tree provide a red dye which is used regionally across Africa and Tropical Asia. 

​

The trees can grow to 100 feet tall and the largest African baobab on record measures over 150 feet in width. Digitatas have massive ornate crowns that resemble an underground root system. 

​

The leaves are palmate and can be variable from plant to plant on size. Unique among baobabs, the pale flowers are situated at the end of a sometimes 3 foot long stalk, hanging down from the tree. 

​

Digitata baobabs are not in threat of endangerment. They are found naturally occurring in over 30 African countries. 

​

​

*Adansonia Kilima is a recently described variation of the African Baobab, characterized by smaller flowers and varied growth patterns. Little is known or confirmed about this species, but it is estimated to be prevalent across Africa, long assumed to be Digitatas.