The African Baobab

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Nature, Plant Life, Trees, Travel
Cover of the book The African Baobab by Rupert Watson, Penguin Random House South Africa
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Rupert Watson ISBN: 9781775841692
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa Publication: February 12, 2014
Imprint: Struik Nature Language: English
Author: Rupert Watson
ISBN: 9781775841692
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Publication: February 12, 2014
Imprint: Struik Nature
Language: English

The baobab is surely the botanical symbol of Africa, instantly recognizable from afar and a compelling icon of the African landscape. This age-old ‘upside-down tree’ invariably inspires wonder, awe and mystery, and has intrigued travellers for hundreds of years. In this absorbing and inspired account 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. He effortlessly mixes natural science, history and personal experience, drawing on extracts from the journals of early explorers who, on encountering these extraordinary trees, measured and sketched them for a sceptical audience back home; and he presents intriguing, detailed accounts of the baobab’s eccentric growth and reproductive habits, its present-day distribution, and its wide impact on everyday African life. The author takes a close look at the myriad uses of baobabs over the ages: their hollow centres have served as prisons, toilets, wells and bars, and some specimens have even been used as a refuge in battle or as burial sites. Their fibre, seeds and fruit are credited with hundreds of applications, both practical and medicinal. Many locals feel a spiritual connection to these trees – believing them to possess mystical powers – and use them in rituals to promote healing or luck. Other relationships between humans and the baobab are explored too, often illustrated by delightful anecdotes.  The rich and enthusiastic text is complemented by evocative, colourful images that show the curious baobab in all its many stages, moods and guises – and sometimes in the most unlikely places. This book cannot fail to inspire.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The baobab is surely the botanical symbol of Africa, instantly recognizable from afar and a compelling icon of the African landscape. This age-old ‘upside-down tree’ invariably inspires wonder, awe and mystery, and has intrigued travellers for hundreds of years. In this absorbing and inspired account 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. He effortlessly mixes natural science, history and personal experience, drawing on extracts from the journals of early explorers who, on encountering these extraordinary trees, measured and sketched them for a sceptical audience back home; and he presents intriguing, detailed accounts of the baobab’s eccentric growth and reproductive habits, its present-day distribution, and its wide impact on everyday African life. The author takes a close look at the myriad uses of baobabs over the ages: their hollow centres have served as prisons, toilets, wells and bars, and some specimens have even been used as a refuge in battle or as burial sites. Their fibre, seeds and fruit are credited with hundreds of applications, both practical and medicinal. Many locals feel a spiritual connection to these trees – believing them to possess mystical powers – and use them in rituals to promote healing or luck. Other relationships between humans and the baobab are explored too, often illustrated by delightful anecdotes.  The rich and enthusiastic text is complemented by evocative, colourful images that show the curious baobab in all its many stages, moods and guises – and sometimes in the most unlikely places. This book cannot fail to inspire.

More books from Penguin Random House South Africa

Cover of the book I See an Elephant by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book The Secret Society by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Become Your Own Financial Advisor by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Travels with a Roadkill Rabbit by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Toy Boy by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book The Somme Chronicles by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Woman in the Wings by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book If The Cat Fits by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Periodic Fasting: Lose Weight, Feel Great, Live Longer by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Hooked - Secrets and Highs of a Sober Addict by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Wholesome by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Delilah Now Trending by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Umkhonto we Sizwe by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book What's that Reptile? by Rupert Watson
Cover of the book Neighbours – The Story of a Murder by Rupert Watson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy