Showing posts with label humanity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humanity. Show all posts

The magic of the oldest living tree

Trees have been known to be some of the longest living organisms on Earth. In general, trees rarely die of old age like humans do, but they can die from insect infestation and environmental destruction,
such as forest fires, logging or construction.

A single tree able to that stand on its own for millennia, witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations, surviving climate changes, and enduring the escalating development of human industrial destruction of our environment is nothing short of a miracle. Its symbol of beauty, peace and strength is a testament to what Mother Nature does at her best.

Such awesome living thing is probably the world's oldest tree, Sunland Baobab, which stands 22 meters tall and is around 47 meters in circumference, "the record holder for the species", according to the SA Dendrological Society. Unlike most trees with consistent annual growth rings, this tree has had its age carbon dated to approximately 6,000 years.

As the largest succulent plant in the world, the baobab tree can provide food, water, shelter and healing from sickness. It is steeped in mystique, legend and superstition in Africa - as traces of evidence of Bushmen and Voortrekkers found in the hollow center floor of the tree.

Although a Baobab tree seldom exceeds a height of 25 meters, the massive cylindrical trunk gives rise to numerous tapering branches that resemble a root-system -- earning its nickname as the "upside-down" tree.

The largest widespread variety is the Adonsonia Digitata, found in 20 sub Saharan countries. As a deciduous tree, Baobab blooms in spring and loses its hand-sized 5 leaflets in winter.

The large white flowers are pendulous and emerge for only a day. The large egg-shaped fruit consists of a hard outer shell on the outside and a dry, white powdery substance covering the seeds on the inside. The white powdery substance - rich in calcium, anti-oxidants, and vitamin C - is mixed with water or milk as a drink to treat fevers and other ailments. The seeds also produce edible oil.

Interestingly, large Baobab trees with hollow stems have served bees and humans for centuries. Honey bees have being using them to make their hives while people have been using them as homes, prisons, bars, rainwater well, and even storage.

An entity that exists on the earth with rich resources to give to humanity and to nature is not just inspirational but also very magical!



 
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