See text The baobabs (Adansonia), occasionally known colloquially as "monkey-bread trees", are a genus of eight species of trees, native to Madagascar (the centre of diversity, with six species), and Africa and Australia (one species in each). The species reach heights of between 5-25 m (exceptionally 30 m) tall, and up to 7 m (exceptionally 11 m) in trunk diameter. They are noted for storing water inside the swollen trunk. All occur in seasonally arid areas, and are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the dry ...

Including:

• Baobab - Uses
• Baobab - Cultural references

Read more here: » Baobab: Encyclopedia - Baobab

The leaves are also common as a leaf vegetable throughout the area of mainland African distribution, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the Sahel. They are eaten both fresh and in the form of a dry powder. In Nigeria, the leaves are locally known as kuka, and are used to make kuka soup. The dry pulp of the fruit, after separation from the seeds and fibers, is eaten directly or mixed into porridge or milk. The seeds are most used as a thickener for soups, but may also be fermented into a seasoning, roasted for direct consumption, or pounded to extract vegetable oil. The tree also provides a ...

See also:

Baobab, Baobab - Uses, Baobab - Cultural references

Read more here: » Baobab: Encyclopedia II - Baobab - Uses