The most ancient African baobabs are dying and no one knows why
After standing for a millennium or two, 9 of the 13 oldest trees have lost big chunks or died
![a baobab tree](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/061218_sm_baobab_feat.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
BEFORE THE FALL African baobab trees may be in trouble. After living some 1,400 years, this specimen in Botswana — called the Chapman tree — toppled and died in 2016.
A. Patrut, Roxana Patrut