The Baobab or Gorakh Chincha

There is a lovely baobab in Pune University. This tree originally from Africa, is known locally as Gorakh Chincha. Recently came across some information that showed the tree trunk either carved or decayed from one side and thought of putting up these photos.


There is also a baobab at Menavali near Wai (which is near Pune). The Menavali specimen is in great health. To get an idea of its size have a look at the human figures to the left of the tree.

The wiki has this to say about this magnificent tree:
Adansonia digitata is the most widespread of the Adansonia species on the African continent, found in the hot, dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. It also grows, having spread secondary to cultivation, in populated areas. English common names include baobab, dead-rat tree (from the appearance of the fruits), monkey-bread tree (the soft, dry fruit is edible), upside-down tree (the sparse branches resemble roots) and cream of tartar tree.


The northern limit of its distribution in Africa is associated with rainfall patterns; only on the Atlantic coast and in the Sudan does its occurrence venture naturally into the Sahel. On the Atlantic coast, this may be due to spreading after cultivation. Its occurrence is very limited in Central Africa, and it is found only in the very north of Southern Africa. In Eastern Africa, the trees grow also in shrublands and on the coast. In Angola and Namibia, the baobabs grow in woodlands, and in coastal regions, in addition to savannahs. It is also found in Dhofar region of Oman and Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula, Asia. This tree is also found in India, particularly in the dry regions of the country.