Adansonia digitata

The far north of Limpopo has varied vegetation patterns including arid forms of montane and plains bushveld. North of the Blouberg and Soutpansberg Mountains the land slopes to the north and east towards the Lebombo Mountains in the far northeast, allowing for changes in the ecology.

Soil acidity varies, changing the plant species representation across the region. Aridity is another big factor. The summer inundation is often meagre, forcing species adaptation involving low transpiration and moisture storage.

Small leaves, pale grey reflective surfaces, leaf hairiness and skin type on leaf and stem all contribute to slowing down the vapour exhalation. Gas exchange between carbon dioxide and oxygen in photosynthesis to feed the plant is slowed down in hard times, also reducing the trees water loss.

The baobab towers here over sparsely scattered grass and shrubs among rocky ridges. Peak growth periods for different members of such a plant community is also regulated in terms of timing and duration by the reach of roots. A huge stem reservoir obviates excessively long roots, but anchoring is an issue (Wikipedia; https://mapungubwenationalpark.co.za).