Page 24 - BSAM 2017 Q1

Top left and right; Some of the large number of trees to choose from.
Middle left; Baobabs must be kept dry and under cover during dormancy.
Bottom; The 2.38 x 1.91 x 0.32 m concrete container.
Lampie built
a massive container with re-inforced concrete and sandstone tiles on four concrete pillars
A er some serious contemplation about the size, proportions, construction method, materials to be used and future placement, Lampie built a massive container with re-inforced concrete and sandstone tiles on four concrete pillars. A temporary roof was also built to cover the container as baobabs must be kept completely dry during their dormant period from the beginning of May to middle October.
About baobabs
Baobabs are majestic. ey have a unique charm and are one of the most fascinating species of trees in the world. Baobabs demand attention.
ere are eight known baobab species in the world. Six of them are found in Madagascar, one in Australia and one in Africa.
e African baobab, Adansonia digitata, occurs in separated patches in sub-tropical and tropical savannah ecosystems from Limpopo in South Africa, East to West and the southern parts of North Africa. ey add enormous nutritional, economic, industrial and even cultural value, wherever they grow. Most parts of the tree are used in traditional healing. Folklore, ancestral and religious beliefs o en centre around baobabs.
These trees form an important food and water source to elephant, baboons, buck and livestock. Bush babies, bats, rare bids, insects and even bees nd food and shelter from baobabs. ese animals in return play an important part in the pollination, fertilization and dispersal of baobab seed.
African baobabs are the oldest living organisms in Africa and also the biggest owering plants in the
22 | BCI | January/February/March 2017