Page 24 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q1

Top left and right; Some of
the large number of trees to
choose from.
Middle left; Baobabs must be
kept dry and under cover
during dormancy.
Bottom; The 2.38 x 1.91 x 0.32
m concrete container.

Lampie built

a massive

container with

re-inforced

concrete and

sandstone tiles

on four concrete

pillars

After some serious contemplation about the size,
proportions, construction method, materials to be
used and future placement, Lampie built a massive
container with re-inforced concrete and sandstone
tiles on four concrete pillars. A temporary roof was
also built to cover the container as baobabs must be
kept completely dry during their dormant period
from the beginning of May to middle October.

About baobabs
Baobabs are majestic. They have a unique charm
and are one of the most fascinating species of trees in
the world. Baobabs demand attention.
There are eight known baobab species in the world.
Six of them are found in Madagascar, one in Australia
and one in Africa.
The African baobab, Adansonia digitata, occurs
in separated patches in sub-tropical and tropical
savannah ecosystems from Limpopo in South Africa,
East to West and the southern parts of North Africa.
They add enormous nutritional, economic, industrial
and even cultural value, wherever they grow. Most
parts of the tree are used in traditional healing.
Folklore, ancestral and religious beliefs often centre
around baobabs.
These trees form an important food and water
source to elephant, baboons, buck and livestock. Bush
babies, bats, rare bids, insects and even bees find food
and shelter from baobabs. These animals in return
play an important part in the pollination, fertilization
and dispersal of baobab seed.
African baobabs are the oldest living organisms
in Africa and also the biggest flowering plants in the

22 | BCI | January/February/March 2017