14 Baobab Trees-Mid

Baobab Trees FOCUS Question How do baobab trees help other living things?

Very Old Trees Baobab (BAY-oh-bab) trees are living things. They are plants. Some parts of Africa have baobab trees. These trees can live for a very long time!

What Do Baobabs Need? Like all plants, baobabs need water, light and air. Their roots take in water from the soil. Their leaves take in light and air. This is how a baobab tree grows to be big and strong.

Large Trunks A baobab tree grows from a seed. The young tree is small and thin. Over time, it grows and grows. The trunk becomes very thick. When it rains, the trunk soaks up a lot of water. Wowser! An adult baobab tree can hold up to fifteen bathtubs full of water!

Hollow Homes A baobab can be hollow. It can have an open space inside the trunk. The tree becomes hollow as it grows older. Sometimes animals live inside the trees. Do You Know? People can also fit inside the hollow parts of baobabs!

In the Branches Many living things find homes on the outside of these trees. Birds make nests on the branches. The branches have many tiny holes. Small animals find places to live in these holes.