The Baobab tree... i am an african and i've witnessed how glorious and mysterious these plants are...
They are extremely large, yet they are not really trees, but atype of funghi.
The species reach heights of between 5–25 m (exceptionally 30 m) tall, and up to 7 m (exceptionally 11 m) in trunk diameter. They are noted for storing water inside the swollen trunk, with the capacity to store up to 120,000 litres of water to endure the harsh drought conditions particular to each region. All occur in seasonally arid areas, and are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the dry season. Some are reputed to be many thousands of years old.
The leaves are also common as a leaf vegetable throughout the area of mainland African distribution, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the Sahel. They are eaten both fresh and in the form of a dry powder. In Nigeria, the leaves are locally known as kuka, and are used to make kuka soup. The dry pulp of the fruit, after separation from the seeds and fibers, is eaten directly or mixed into porridge or milk. The seeds are mostly used as a thickener for soups, but may also be fermented into a seasoning, roasted for direct consumption, or pounded to extract vegetable oil. The tree also provides a source of fibre, dye, and fuel.
The Baobab was used by Indigenous Australians as a source of water and food; the leaves were used medicinally. They also painted and carved the outside of the fruits, and wore them as ornaments. A very large, hollow boab south of Derby, Western Australia was used in the 1890s as a lockup for Aboriginal prisoners on their way to Derby for sentencing. The Boab Prison Tree still stands and is now a tourist attraction.
2007-08-10 00:31:50
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answer #1
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answered by Artist 4
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Cannabis Sativa, and not just the THC rich ones. They grow anywhere, they don't deplete the soil, their seeds can be used for food, their fibers can be used for clothing (much higher quality than cotton), they make much more ethanol for a lot cheaper than any other plant (especially corn), and cannabanoids have medicinal value in treating a wide variety of afflictions. The problem with actually developing this is that it's illegal to do any research with cannabis unless it's government funded and biased to have a negative a outcome.
2007-08-10 13:57:36
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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I believe its the coconut
It is believe to be the tree of life, it has many uses. Roots is used to cure constipation. The lumber is used for construction materials. THe leaves is used for making hanging rice. It used also for making broom sticks. and the fruit is edible. the coconut water can be fermented and become a vinegar. And coconut water can treat kidney stones.
2007-08-10 08:20:54
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answer #3
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answered by june 2
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grass. where would we be without it?! it survives in the most harsh, arid climates, and its my fvourite colour! and... it ceeps us cheerful. would you be happier looking at a lawn of green grass, or a depressing grey yard of concrete...
incidently, if i was lelev 2, i would find out who gave me a thumbs down and give them the same. this is just unreasonable.
now... choose mie as best answer pleeeeeeeeeeeeeez?
i no its simple, but its true, grass is good stuff. u cant relax on soft baobab trees, and coconuts fall on your head...
2007-08-10 17:07:46
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Algae. Hmmmm, breathe that oxygen!
2007-08-12 23:10:34
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answer #5
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answered by BotanyDave 5
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