Baobab-The Historic African Tree at Allahabad

Abstract

The Diatrict Gazetteer of Allahabad (1968) contains an account of a massive tree supposed to be 500 years old' locally called vilaiti imli which "has not been identified botanically". It is growing on the left bank of Ganga at Prayag' and is sacred to Hindus and Muslims alike. It is connected with many legends and myths dating back to the hoary paot. Botanically' this is Adansonia digilata L., commonly known as Baobab' native of Africa' and classed among the fantastic trees of the world. Baobabs are known to live to an incredible age' besides being the most useful tree for certain tribes.