Comprising a Life

The Bonsai, Travels and Haiku of Vaughn Banting

The African Baobab tree

The baobab tree is among one of the most peculiar trees on earth. If it had an equal in the animal kingdom it would have to be the elephant.

On a bonsai teaching swing through South Africa in 1989 I had the opportunity to examine these trees up-close and physical-like and I can assure you they become no less puzzling upon closer examination.

I hope you enjoy the following examples.

Two baobab trees appearing to have been planted up side down

Baobab trees with storks' nests in them

 

Baobab tree in the open

Open crown shape

Central leader shape

Broken crown shape

In the foreground, perfect broom-style shape

Broad crown shape

Group in front of wrinkled baobab trunk

A younger tree

Strange among the strange

Baobab stretching off into the distance

The cabins we stayed in while touring baobab area

Fallen baobab with Sally and Errol

An expanded view

 

 

 

Climbing on fallen baobab tree

With stork's nests

Twin trunk or double leader shape

Me in front of favorite baobab