Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Under the Baobab Tree

Today's Wonder of the World is...The Baobab Tree!

Flickr photo by williewonker
Also known as the Bottle Tree. See why?
Not only do they look like bottles, but the trees typically store around 300 liters of water! No wonder they often live over 500 years!

If I could, I might give this baobab a name of my own.

Flickr photo by rbsuperb
I'd call it El Preggo, if I were queen. Or maybe a little prince.

The Little Prince! How I loved this book back in the Dark Ages. I should read it again.
The Little Prince wasn't so fond of baobabs.
He lived on an asteroid and spent his days pulling up the baobabs which were trying to take root.

The baobabs could split his little planet into dust!
Now that I see the roots, I'm sure he was right.

Flickr photo by amigarad
Some folks like the baobab just fine.
Like Rafiki, from The Lion King.

Flickr photo by techmeister
He lived in one, remember?
In African folklore, the tree was used to ward off evil spirits. They called it God's Thumb.
Rafiki was a shaman, I believe, so the baobab was perfect for him.
Or maybe he just liked the free food.

Flickr photo by Baobab Fruit company Senegal
Though I must say it doesn't look appetizing to me.
Still, I'd hang out under one.

Flickr photo by laetitia.navarro
What about you?
While you're imagining yourself on Baobab Alley, take a minute to watch Gene Wilder and his Little Prince.
Have a wonder-full Wednesday, y'all!
Love, Becky

18 comments:

Ronnie said...

Becky, I thank you AGAIN!
What beautiful imagery. I have felt stuck lately. My sketches seem more "ordinary" than usual. The image of the fox in the wheat field and the big cartoon trees standing guard along the road have me smiling this morning and believing it may be a good day for ideas. : )

Suzie said...

That is a really cool tree. Hmm I never thought I would be saying that

LW said...

What an amazing tree…

I enjoyed the video now I want to see the whole movie..

Louise

lotusgirl said...

Awww! Le petit prince!!

Such a great book.

Baobabs are such incredible trees.

Adrienne said...

The Little Prince is one of my favorites!

Anonymous said...

Becky, that was such a great post. I am dabbing tears right now--what a sweet film clip! Thanks for your creative mind. Dana

PS

The Little Pink Fairy says she could send help your way!! She's very generous, too. :)

Unknown said...

What a fascinating tree! Thanks for sharing that. I really learned something new! They are cool trees.

Siddhartha said...

The tree looks cool. And so is your entertaining entry. Anyway, one update: here is my new blog:
http://ikolkata.blogspot.com.
I highly expect your visit.
Have a nice time.

Kelly H-Y said...

How fascinating! We came across a Bottle Palm tree in Kauai ... I didn't know there were other types of 'bottle' trees too! How cool!

Rosemary said...

That is an amazing tree Becky!
Thanks for the fun post!
Rosemary

Unknown said...

I love the picture with all the roots. Very nice.

Linda Summerfield said...

Beautiful film clip.

May Vanderbilt said...

Up next I think you should post about the bottle brush tree!

I love Le Petit Prince! So charming and French.

Rebecca Ramsey said...

May! You read my mind!
See tomorrow's post!

Rebecca Ramsey said...

Well...I don't mean a bottle brush tree exactly, but close.

Susan Tuttle said...

how cool is that tree!?!!

thanks for sharing -- you always report about the most interesting stuff.

xo

Attic Rat said...

Just stopped in to wish you well. That is one cool-lookin' tree. Thanks for sharing.

Teresa

Renee said...

Thanks Becky, now I am in tears.

I love Gene Wilder and that little boy.

Love Renee