Africa : Scientific Mystery: Ancient Baobab Trees in Africa Dying at ‘Shocking’ Rate and No One Knows Why

[Clyde C Coger Jr]

...
In the Spirit of Sankofa,


Scientific Mystery: Ancient Baobab Trees in Africa Dying at ‘Shocking’ Rate and No One Knows Why


Lisa Spear
Newsweek


The ancient baobab trees first sprouted on the African savannah about 1,500 years ago, inspiring awe and becoming an icon on the continent. Recognizable for their swollen trunks, one grew so large that a pub was constructed inside, attracting tourists from around the globe; then, two years ago, the tree began to split apart, and eventually, it completely fell to pieces...

https://www.yahoo.com/news/scientific-mystery-ancient-baobab-trees-012128229.html

0611-Tree2

 

[Clyde C Coger Jr]

...


'Shocking' die-off of Africa's oldest baobabs: study

Mariëtte Le Roux
AFP


Paris (AFP) - Some of Africa's oldest and biggest baobab trees -- a few dating all the way back to the ancient Greeks -- have abruptly died, wholly or in part, in the past decade, researchers said Monday.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/shocking-die-off-africas-oldest-baobabs-study-151401577.html

The iconic tree can live to be 3,000 years old and one in Zimbabwe is so large that up to 40 people can shelter inside its trunk (AFP Photo/Tony KARUMBA)

 

[dunwiddat]

...


'Shocking' die-off of Africa's oldest baobabs: study

Mariëtte Le Roux
AFP


Paris (AFP) - Some of Africa's oldest and biggest baobab trees -- a few dating all the way back to the ancient Greeks -- have abruptly died, wholly or in part, in the past decade, researchers said Monday.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/shocking-die-off-africas-oldest-baobabs-study-151401577.html

The iconic tree can live to be 3,000 years old and one in Zimbabwe is so large that up to 40 people can shelter inside its trunk (AFP Photo/Tony KARUMBA)

I am seeing this for the first time. By the way there are a few of these trees in Barbados.

 

[Clyde C Coger Jr]

I am seeing this for the first time. By the way there are a few of these trees in Barbados.

Correct ...

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUse...Bridgetown_Saint_Michael_Parish_Barbados.html


baobab tree worth a visit, but still rather disappointing
we had gone to queen's park to see the baobab tree--which is supposed to be the largest/oldest in the caribbean, the tree was, well, large, but otherwise nothing really spectacular, in fact, it's almost easy to miss the tree bc they haven't really made it a focus.... it was in a corner of the park and the only indication was a wooden post next to you telling you THIS is the famous baobab tree, we took a few pictures, and was out of there, the whole visit took us less than 10 minutes.