locals say the name maria gorda was given to this tree as an homage to maria apolinária, a beloved african woman who lived on the islands and worked for a rich portuguese trader on the island.

a sign on maria gorda grants good luck to the ones who kiss the tree, but warns of seven years of hardship to anyone who disrespects the baobab.

on praia dos tamoios, traditionally a tribute to cacique tamoio guaixará is paid every year, to honor the leader of the indigenous tamoios tribe fallen while defending the island against the portuguese conquerors. a sculpture was recently placed here to honor the brave warrior.