‘Tree of life’ rooted in Musgrave

EVER took the time to admire the magnificence of the Baobab tree which stands outside of a busy Durban shopping centre? If not, make your way to Musgrave Centre and take in the splendor of the tree, which is a sacred and protected tree across the African continent. Known as the ‘tree of life’ due to its succulent qualities, it absorbs and stores water in its vast trunk, enabling it to produce a nutrient-dense fruit. The tree is native to Africa, but can also be found in Madagascar, India, Ceylon, Australia and in parts of Zimbabwe.

Some of these colossal trees can also be found in our city of Durban. Many trees that were planted as saplings in the Durban region have surprisingly lived long and healthy lives.

This particular Baobab tree was originally planted by David Walsh (1870-1962) in 1900 on his Musgrave property.

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According to Durban High School (DHS) archivist and local authour, Jeremy Oddy, a local resident gave one of two saplings she had in paint tins to legendary DHS teacher Bill Payn and the other was given to Walsh.

“It’s lovely that the two saplings ended up being so close to one another, because they’re essentially twins, and they’ve both thrived in their separate habitats,” said Oddy, who authoured the book Where The Baobab Grows.

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Musgrave Centre was built in 1958 on the site of Marston House, the residence of David and Anna Walsh. The tree remained at its original location until Musgrave Centre announced they would be extending the mall in 2011 and the Baobab tree did not fit into the mall’s revamp plans. There was uproar from local residents, including Oddy. “When Musgrave was being extended there were a few of us who fought for the baobab to remain, people weren’t happy because that tree, just like the one a block away at DHS is a part of our community,” said Oddy.

The resident’s pleas were thankfully heard and the baobab was moved from its original placement to where it stands today. The tree now stands at 122 years old and is maintained by Musgrave Centre.

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