Rhodesia Philately: African Baobab (Adansonia digitata)

Adansonia digitata, the African baobab, is the most widespread tree species of the genus Adansonia, the baobabs, and is native to the African continent and the southern Arabian Peninsula (Yemen, Oman). They are typically found in dry, hot savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, where they dominate the landscape and reveal the presence of a watercourse from afar. They have traditionally been valued as sources of food, water, health remedies or places of shelter and are a key food source for many animals.

The baobab is also known as the “upside down tree”, a name that originates from several myths. The flowers open around dusk; opening so quickly that movement can be detected by the naked eye and are faded by the next morning. The fruits are large, oval to round and berry-like and hold kidney-shaped seeds in a dry, pulpy matrix.

Stamps & Postal Products

1967 Conserve Natural Resources – 4d Baobab

Postcards

1971 – Big Game Photography (Pvt.) Ltd. (V Series – Type II PF)

1975 – Big Game Photography (Pvt.) Ltd. (F Series – Type VIA)

References