Sunland Baobab

Sunland Baobab
Base of tree
Sunland Baobab is located in South Africa
Sunland Baobab
Sunland Baobab
SpeciesBaobab (Adansonia digitata)
Coordinates23°37′16″S 30°11′53″E / 23.62111°S 30.19806°E / -23.62111; 30.19806
Height22 m (72 ft)
Diameter10.64 m (34.9 ft)
Date seeded950AD ± 75

Sunland Baobab (also Platland Baobab, Mooketsi Baobab, Tree Bar, Big Baobab or Pub Tree) is a well-known enormous baobab (Adansonia digitata) in South Africa. The tree is located on Sunland Farm (Platland Farm), near Modjadjiskloof (previously known as Duiwelskloof), Limpopo Province. In one study the tree was carbon-dated and found to be an estimated 1,060 years old, plus or minus 75 years.[1] Results of other studies have however suggested much higher ages.[2] The tree used to bloom profusely in spring, at some stage providing a refuge to two pairs of owls, and other bird species. Most of the tree died in 2016 and 2017.[3]

  1. ^ Adrian Patrut; Karl F. von Reden; Robert Van Pelt; Diana H. Mayne; Daniel A. Lowy; Dragos Margineanu (2011). "Age determination of large live trees with inner cavities: radiocarbon dating of Platland tree, a giant African baobab" (PDF). Annals of Forest Science. 68 (5): 993–1003. doi:10.1007/s13595-011-0107-x.
  2. ^ "World famous Giant splits". BREAKING NEWS. Letaba Herald. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  3. ^ Drake, Nadia (11 June 2018). "Africa's Oldest Trees Are Dying, and Scientists Are Stumped". National Geographic. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.