Bob Trees

photo source unknown

The Avenue of the Baobabs group of trees in Beloni's Tsiribihina in western Madagascar.   The trees are a population destination site for tourists around the world.   It is one of the most visited locations in the area.   In 2007,  the Madagascar government initiated temporary protection of the trees, however the trees continue to be at risk secondary to deforestation. The trees are up to 800 years old.  They are locally knows as "renala" or the "mother of the forest". There are currently only about 25 trees remain lining the aveue.  The trees were not always standing alone along the shrubs.  At one time,  there was a dense tropical forest that included many more Baobab trees.   Everything in the area was cleared by the remaining Baobab Trees.

photo source unknown

Further North, there are two Baobabs entwined togethere called Adansonia za.   There is a legend that surrounds these trees that involves the trees representing a young man and a young woman of the nearby village.  Both of the lover had been assigned a spouse and had to marry separately, however  impossible couple dreamed of an eternity together and a child together.  The both asked God for help. From this, both Baobabs were born and now live for the eternity as one as the couple had always wished.  The area continue to be under threat for deforestation from encroaching rice and sugar cane plantations, as well as brush fires.   There is not visitor or fee to see the trees.  The locals residents receive little income from the trees.  Fortunately, there are groups that are aiming to protect the trees and promote economic improvement for the local people.

photo source julieandgianni