The baobab tree, an iconic presence across African savannas, Madagascar, and parts of Australia, is widely recognized by its common nickname, “the upside-down tree.” Its distinctive shape is a result of both its physical characteristics and the rich cultural narratives that surround it.
Its Distinctive Appearance
The visual basis for the baobab’s “upside-down” nickname lies in its remarkable physical structure, particularly evident during the dry season. The tree features a massive, often bottle-shaped or cylindrical trunk that can reach substantial circumferences, sometimes exceeding 30 meters. This trunk functions as a natural reservoir, storing vast quantities of water (up to 120,000 liters) to endure prolonged dry periods.
Contrasting sharply with its thick trunk are the baobab’s relatively sparse, gnarled, and somewhat disproportionate branches. These branches spread outwards, and when the tree sheds its leaves during the dry season, they appear bare and twisted. This leafless state contributes significantly to the perception that the branches resemble a root system reaching into the sky, as if the tree were inverted.
The baobab’s form is a direct outcome of its adaptations to arid environments. By shedding its leaves for approximately nine months of the year, the tree minimizes water loss through transpiration, conserving moisture during times of scarcity. The tree’s smooth, often shiny bark, ranging from pinkish-gray to copper, also plays a role in reflecting light and heat. Baobabs also perform photosynthesis in their trunk and branches, allowing them to continue producing energy even without leaves.
The Legends and Lore
Beyond its physical attributes, the baobab’s “upside-down” appearance is deeply embedded in the folklore and myths of the cultures where it grows. Numerous African legends describe supernatural events that led to the tree’s unusual form. One widely circulated story suggests that a god, displeased with the baobab’s pride or constant movement, uprooted the tree and replanted it upside down to prevent it from wandering further.
Another variation recounts how the god Thora disliked the baobab in his garden, plucking it out and throwing it over the wall of Paradise, where it landed inverted but continued to grow. Some tales also involve a hyena, who, given the baobab to plant, was so disgusted by its appearance that it shoved the tree into the ground upside down out of spite. These narratives often portray the baobab’s unique structure as a divine punishment or a consequence of its own arrogance.
Aboriginal Australian folklore also features similar explanations for the appearance of the native boab (a species of baobab). These stories often describe the tree being replanted upside down due to its perceived arrogance, mirroring the themes found in African myths. These cultural stories highlight how the baobab’s distinctive shape has inspired imaginative explanations across diverse traditions.