The African Baobab
The life and history of the the oldest natural tree, African Boabab, from its early Madagascan beginnings to present day.

Baobab trees are living monuments, the oldest natural things in Africa, outlasting every plant and animal around them. Surviving in some of the driest, rockiest areas of this continent, paradoxically they live longer and grow larger than most other trees in the world.

In this absorbing and inspired new edition of The African Baobab, author Rupert Watson explores the life and times of this fascinating tree, from its early Madagascan beginnings to its present status on the continent and its future in a changing Africa. It is a compelling read on an African icon that has intrigued travelers for hundreds of years.

The narrative effortlessly blends natural science, history and personal observations, sometimes drawing on extracts from the journals of early explorers. There are intriguing accounts of the baobab’s eccentric growth and reproductive habits, its present-day distribution, and its wide impact on everyday African life. Watson also takes a close look at the relationship between humans and baobabs, and the tree’s myriad uses over the ages, from shelters to medicinal and spiritual applications.

Aimed at naturalists, environmentalists, botanical enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone awed by the wonders of plants, this book cannot but inspire.
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The African Baobab
The life and history of the the oldest natural tree, African Boabab, from its early Madagascan beginnings to present day.

Baobab trees are living monuments, the oldest natural things in Africa, outlasting every plant and animal around them. Surviving in some of the driest, rockiest areas of this continent, paradoxically they live longer and grow larger than most other trees in the world.

In this absorbing and inspired new edition of The African Baobab, author Rupert Watson explores the life and times of this fascinating tree, from its early Madagascan beginnings to its present status on the continent and its future in a changing Africa. It is a compelling read on an African icon that has intrigued travelers for hundreds of years.

The narrative effortlessly blends natural science, history and personal observations, sometimes drawing on extracts from the journals of early explorers. There are intriguing accounts of the baobab’s eccentric growth and reproductive habits, its present-day distribution, and its wide impact on everyday African life. Watson also takes a close look at the relationship between humans and baobabs, and the tree’s myriad uses over the ages, from shelters to medicinal and spiritual applications.

Aimed at naturalists, environmentalists, botanical enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone awed by the wonders of plants, this book cannot but inspire.
17.95 In Stock
The African Baobab

The African Baobab

by Rupert Watson
The African Baobab

The African Baobab

by Rupert Watson

Paperback(2nd ed.)

$17.95 
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Overview

The life and history of the the oldest natural tree, African Boabab, from its early Madagascan beginnings to present day.

Baobab trees are living monuments, the oldest natural things in Africa, outlasting every plant and animal around them. Surviving in some of the driest, rockiest areas of this continent, paradoxically they live longer and grow larger than most other trees in the world.

In this absorbing and inspired new edition of The African Baobab, author Rupert Watson explores the life and times of this fascinating tree, from its early Madagascan beginnings to its present status on the continent and its future in a changing Africa. It is a compelling read on an African icon that has intrigued travelers for hundreds of years.

The narrative effortlessly blends natural science, history and personal observations, sometimes drawing on extracts from the journals of early explorers. There are intriguing accounts of the baobab’s eccentric growth and reproductive habits, its present-day distribution, and its wide impact on everyday African life. Watson also takes a close look at the relationship between humans and baobabs, and the tree’s myriad uses over the ages, from shelters to medicinal and spiritual applications.

Aimed at naturalists, environmentalists, botanical enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone awed by the wonders of plants, this book cannot but inspire.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781775848691
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Publication date: 08/08/2024
Edition description: 2nd ed.
Pages: 224
Product dimensions: 7.00(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

RUPERT WATSON was born in England, but has lived in Kenya for nearly 30 years, where he practices sometimes as a lawyer and mediator, and always as a naturalist. Rupert has authored two previous books and has written natural history and travel articles for a wide range of publications including New Scientist, London Times, Independent, Geographical Magazine, Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.

Table of Contents


Bu hobab     6
A tree of Africa     27
Flower and seed     46
Life and death     69
How old? How big?     90
A forest in itself     106
A hermit in its shade     133
The healing tree     154
The baobab's destiny     174
Acknowledgements     192
Selected bibliography     194
Index     198
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