September 8, 2012

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#DispatchesDNLee: Tanzania from A to Z - Botany

By DNLee

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This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

B is for Botany

I have seen many beautiful flowers and plants and trees here. The tree I was quite excited to see was the Baobab. As a young child, I was enrolled in West African Dance Class.

I learned about African culture, traditional dances and music and was told amazing fables of Anansi - The Spider, learned some KiSwahili (which, now that I am here in East Africa, I realize now that doesn't geographically line up. But hey!) And I heard stories of the Baobab tree - the living tree - big as life and supports life too. Even as a kid I was captivated by stories and folk tales that weave ecology and nature into them. So, needless so say seeing that tree excited me. It was definitely on my list of Must-see wildlife when I came to Africa.

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The Baobab is in the top left frame of the collage. I was told that is a banana flower in the top right frame. The flower in the middle is my favorite. It reminds me of a badminton birdie. The flower in the lower right frame is my next favorite. The petals are thin and not very well-defined, but it had the most lovely light scent, reminded me of baby powder. And the photo in the bottom left frame reminded me of the of the little flowers I use to draw a little kid on the margins of my papers and during arts-and-crafts.

The rest of the flora family is just as beautiful and captivating. I'll gladly accept identification help with naming the rest.

Please enjoy and don't eat the daisies!

(I love this song, whenever I pass a field of wildflowers this songs springs to mind. Badaaye!)

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My time here is winding down. I'm heading back home on the 23rd. So, if you'd like a Dispatch from Tanzania, please complete the request form today. And I thank you very much for your support and encouragement on this trip. It has been a joy and a blessing to share this adventure with everyone.

Asante sana,Dada DNLee

DNLee is a biologist and she studies animal behavior, mammalogy, and ecology . She uses social media, informal experiential science experiences, and draws from hip hop culture to share science with general audiences, particularly under-served groups.

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