In the barren lands of South America, there exists a tree with a humble and down-to-earth appearance. This tree has a bulbous trunk, with sparse green leaves that resemble a head of cabbage poking out of the ground, giving it a distinct and unique shape.
It goes by various names such as the Baobab tree, the Bottle tree, or the Tree of Life, but the local people affectionately call it the “bottle tree” or BaoBa.
The round belly of the bottle tree is filled with “the source of life,” and this tree holds great significance in quenching the thirst of travelers in the desert. Whenever the rainy season arrives in these desolate lands, the bottle tree, with its extensive roots, desperately absorbs water and stores it within its own body. Typically, a bottle tree can hold around 2 tons of water, serving as a natural giant bucket in the wilderness.
With just a small hole dug into the tree, water continuously flows out. The bottle tree can alleviate the water scarcity issues faced by people in vast desert regions.
After the discovery of this extraordinary species, it has been cultivated worldwide. The bottle tree differs from other trees in that it only blooms red flowers after the green leaves have withered, giving the impression of a giant vase adorned with vibrant red blossoms from a distance.
In Africa, the bottle tree is utilized as a natural water reservoir. Local residents carve a hole in the trunk, which quickly fills with water. When in need of water, they carry containers and climb the tree to collect it.
If used solely for drinking water, the water capacity of a bottle tree can sustain a family of four for half a year. However, the amount of water saved during the rainy season is meant to carry the tree through the prolonged dry period. Extracting too much water can lead to the tree’s inability to survive during the dry season, causing it to wither. The bottle tree can be seen as a gift from nature to humanity, offering water selflessly. But if humans treat it recklessly, like killing the hen that lays the golden egg, it will also dwindle and suffer.
The bottle tree, a water-holding giant, holds a fascinating story within its magnificent presence.
