Our common concept of African plants is rather unsophisticated. Most people think of grasses or flat-topped acacia trees, typical of the savanna, which we see on television. But Africa's flora is much more than we see on TV. Consider the baobab, the world's widest tree, and among the oldest. You'll learn more about it in this section. Bear in mind all the furry cute creatures we see, the life and death dramas played out on nature documentaries, all rely on plants. They are where the cycle of energy begins, drawing sustenance from sunlight and Africa's ancient red soils, to nourish and sustain the animals we so easily admire.