Baobab roots are shallow but spread out around the tree to collect water. Baobabs store this water in their trunks, which is why these trees are so large! The baobab then uses the energy provided by the water to produce a fruit called pain du singe ("monkey bread") which is eaten by humans and animals. I love eating jam made from baobab fruit!
Climate change is the biggest threat to the African Baobab. Due to reduced rainfall in Senegal in recent years, baobabs can't store as much water in their trunks as they did previously. Baobabs are also threatened when too much bark is stripped from their trunk by tourists who carve their names into the tree trunks. I was very sad the first time I saw this graffiti because baobabs are sacred to Senegalese people. When traveling, it's important to respect nature and the local culture.
