Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants

Editorially verified for the Oct 18, 2026

78 Across

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A baobab tree with a broad, swollen trunk standing in a savanna landscape.

Clue explainedFact checked

A baobab is a distinctive African tree whose thick trunk stores water, which can make it a lifeline for thirsty animals in dry conditions. Elephants may strip or chew the bark to reach moisture, though that can damage the tree. Baobabs are also known for their huge, swollen trunks and sparse branches, earning them the nickname “upside-down trees.”

Clue type:
Definition

NYT Crossword

This clue's Sunday, October 18, 2026 appearance

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  1. 59Zip
  2. 64Zip
  3. 112In
  4. 121In

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The answer to “Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants” in the New York Times crossword is BAOBAB — a 6-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times crossword on October 18, 2026, a Sunday puzzle, at 78-Across. Below you'll find why that fill fits, every other answer we've recorded for this clue, and links into the puzzle it came from.

“Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants” answer

BAOBAB (6 letters)

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is BAOBAB.

What does BAOBAB mean?

Reading the plain dictionary sense of BAOBAB is often the fastest way to see why it answers this clue.

(noun)

  • a short tree with a very thick trunk and large edible fruit, living to a great age

When else has “Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants” appeared?

New York Times reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up, and what the answer was each time — handy when you're checking whether today's fill is the only one.

October 18, 2026 (most recent) → BAOBAB. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants”?

The answer is BAOBAB, a 6-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times crossword on October 18, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants”?

6 letters: BAOBAB.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the New York Times crossword on October 18, 2026 (a Sunday puzzle), at 78-Across.

Can “Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants” have a different answer?

Yes — New York Times sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of this day's NYT Crossword answers?

The full grid for October 18, 2026 is on the NYT Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

New York Times Crossword is published by The New York Times; WordHint is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher.

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