The baobab culture of Barbados

This paper discusses the ethnobotany of the baobab in Barbados as part of an ongoing effort to document the cultural importance of this species in the Caribbean.  Based on published accounts and interviews, all the baobabs of Barbados were identified, measured, photographed and mapped and their production of leaves, flowers and fruits recorded.  Barbados is home to two of the largest and most well-known baobab trees in the Americas.  They date back to the island’s early history as the first important British sugar colony in the Caribbean that was completely dependent on African labor.  A total of 33 trees were identified and the results of interviews indicate that the species is of great historical and symbolic importance in Barbados.  The fruits are eaten, especially by those who live in the vicinity of fruiting trees.  The African baobab is more widespread and cultural significant in the Americas than is generally recognized and the baobab culture of Barbados is a case in point.

Guinea tamarind, monkey tamarind, Jamaica tamarind, flour tamarind