Question 1

What is Adansonia digitata used for in Ayurvedic medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic practice, Adansonia digitata is used across multiple parts of the plant. The fruit pulp is applied as a cooling, astringent remedy for fevers and digestive complaints, while bark decoctions are used for inflammatory conditions. The leaves and seeds also have recorded medicinal and nutritional applications.

Question 2

Does the baobab tree grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though it is not native to the island. Baobab specimens are found mainly in the dry lowland areas of Sri Lanka, particularly in the North Western and North Central provinces. Most trees appear to have been introduced centuries ago, likely through Indian Ocean trade routes.

Question 3

What nutrients does baobab fruit contain?

Accepted Answer

Baobab fruit pulp is notably rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fibre. Its high tartaric acid content gives it a tart flavour. Modern nutritional research broadly supports its traditional reputation as a health-promoting food, though large-scale human clinical trials are still limited.

Question 4

Where can I see a baobab tree in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya near Kandy is a good starting point for seeing unusual introduced tropical species. Mature baobab specimens also sometimes appear near older village settlements and temple grounds in the dry zone, and local guides can help locate them.

Question 5

How long do baobab trees live?

Accepted Answer

African Baobabs are among the longest-lived trees on earth, with some specimens in Africa confirmed at over 1,000 years old through radiocarbon dating. Their hollow, water-storing trunks become increasingly massive with age. Sri Lankan specimens are generally younger and smaller, given the species was only introduced to the island.

Question 6

Is baobab fruit edible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The dried pulp inside the hard fruit pod has a pleasantly sour taste and is eaten directly or dissolved in water as a drink in parts of Africa. It is also increasingly used as a food ingredient and health supplement in Europe and Asia. In Sri Lanka, its use is primarily medicinal rather than culinary.

Question 7

Why is Adansonia digitata listed in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic plant catalogue?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic tradition is inclusive of both native and introduced plant species that have demonstrated medicinal value through long use. The baobab's well-documented properties — antipyretic, astringent, and nutritive — led to its formal recognition in the national Ayurvedic pharmacopeia maintained by Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda.