vasanthajayasooriya_1928

Lone Baobab Tree.JPG

A lone Baobab tree captured in evening light on the Mannar island, which is known inter alia, for the only surviving Baobab trees in Sri Lanka, said to number a...
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A lone Baobab tree captured in evening light on the Mannar island, which is known inter alia, for the only surviving Baobab trees in Sri Lanka, said to number around 40 trees. Most of these trees have been identified and measured and estimated to be around 300 to 400 years old. The huge hollow trunk which is clearly visible, is tall enough for any individual to walk through and sufficiently spacious to accommodate a few people. These hollow trunks are said to be found in older trees and formed by the fusion of multiple stems over time. The tree’s unique pendulous flowers are said to be pollinated by bats. This tree is native to Africa, Australia and Madagascar and is thought to have been brought here by Arabian traders. Though the tree is not native to Sri Lanka, it is officially protected due to its rarity and antiquity.

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