The baobab of Africa is one of the world's most unusual trees. In the literature it is described as 'rare' in the Caribbean, although it is far more common than is generally recognized. This paper examines the current uses of the baobab in the Caribbean and suggests several reasons why an effort should be made to encourage the cultivation of this and other rare exotic trees on a wider scale. ----- El baobab de Africa es uno de los [rboles m[s raros del mundo. En la literatura, se 10describe como siendo 'raro' en el Caribe, aunque en realidad, es mucho m[s corriente que se imagine. Este trabajo examina los usos corrientes del baobab en el Caribe. Ademas, sugiere varias razones porq ue se debe favorecer el cultivo de lste y.de otros arboles exd'ticos en una escala mlls generalizada.