Adansonia digitata, the dominant feature

The bole of this baobab is differently coloured up to the point where itchy skin animals can normally reach. It serves as a regularly used scratch post for elephants and other mammals. Any convenient protrusion will do as a scratch post, like a big rock well positioned along a main route of animal traffic. Especially when it stands clear of surrounding bush for skittish types to spot approaching danger early.

Access routes to water and popular feeding grounds are signposted with tree trunks showing mud or smoothness where many have scratched their bushveld itches. Oxpeckers may remove the ticks but the bites linger on irritated skins.

Be purposeful in poker player fashion when going to the water. Never hurry, while surveying in 360?  mode continually and acting unconcerned. Repeat it all in unconcerned stroller fashion, stopping for the good scratch like a bush professional. Be sure of every suspect movement, smell, sound and all locations providing enemy cover. The peril involved in loss of vigilance is often terminal.

There is an after sunset photo of this tree on the Site as well. The light changes in accordance with consistent movement of the heavenly spheres. Inconsistent movements of the ocular spheres, eyes, contrast in continual attempts at identification of potential danger, increasing as the light reveals less of the bush.