The Tree of Life:

The Baobab tree (known scientifically as Adansonia digitata) is often called the tree of life because it stores life-sustaining water inside its trunk and branches. In Africa, India, and Madagascar, where the tree grows in arid regions, the tree's water is a valuable resource. The Baobab tree is an ancient survivor; some Baobab trees may live for several thousand years.

The phrase "tree of life" is rooted in religious history.

The original tree of life was in the Garden of Eden, Jews and Christians believe. In the Torah and the Bible, cherubim angels guard the tree of life from humans who had fallen into sin: "After he [God] drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life" (Genesis 3:24). Jews believe that archangel Metatron now guards the tree of life in the spiritual realm.

Miraculous Water Help:

When nomadic people and wild animals (such as giraffes and elephants) can't find enough water from their usual sources during a drought, they would be in danger of dying from dehydration if it weren't for the Baobab tree, which stores the water they need to stay alive. People cut the tree's branches or trunk to access drinking water that is miraculously available even during severe droughts. Animals chew on the Baobab tree's branches to open them up, and then use the branches like straws to drink the water from inside the tree.

Large Baobab trees may contain more than 30,000 gallons of water at once.

Healing Fruit:

Fruit from Baobab trees (sometimes called "monkey fruit" because baboons love to eat it) contains high concentrations of antioxidants, which protect the cells in people's bodies from damage. Baobab fruit, which tastes like cream of tartar, features lots of the popular antioxidant vitamin C (which may help prevent cancer and heart disease). The mineral calcium (which helps keep bones strong) is also abundant in Baobab fruit. Other healing ingredients found in Baobab fruit include vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, and iron. People can also eat the fruit's seeds and the leaves of the Baobab tree.