“Kalpvriksha” at Savanur, Karnataka

Having heard a lot about presence of African Baobab ((Adansonia digitalis) in Savanur of Haveri District in Karnataka we were in for a surprise , when we reached there . There no one could guide us to these trees unless we realized that locals refer it as “Kaplpvriksha” or “Dodda Hunse Mara” ( Giant Tamarind Tree ). These trees stand in a school compound and attract thousands of visitors to this small town otherwise known for beetle market. These have become part of mythology . Some believing that Lord Krishna planted these. Small strands of these trees have been reported from Prayagraj (UP), Mandu(MP) parts of Gujarat and Konkan .

Few of these have been planted about 25 years back in Forest office compound at Haveri . They have grown well however not yet started fruiting .

Following article gives a more realistic picture , why these are referred as Trees of Life in their place of origin “Africa”.