Panke Baobab (African baobab)
Dublin Core
Title
Panke Baobab (African baobab)
Subject
Tree, flora, deceased tree, oldest tree, organism
Description
The Panke baobab, rooted in Zimbabwe, was once the world's oldest living angiosperm (flowering plant) in the world until its death in 2011. Estimated to be somewhere in the range of 2419 to 2500 years old on its death, Panke was radiocarbon dated rather than dated by its rings due to the unique tendency of African baobabs to create growth rings at inconsistent rates.
From the years of 2005 to 2017, 9 out of 13 of Africa's oldest baobabs were reported to have died "abruptly." The Panke baobab was the oldest of these fatalities. The research team responsible for looking into the African baobab population that noted this sudden decline suspects that the deaths have to do with the "significant modifications of climate conditions that affect southern Africa in particular."
As baobabs are known to be extremely difficult to kill, there is special cause for concern. The trunk of a baobab is made up of multiple tough core stems, and the tree is able to regrow bark and grow new branches throughout its life cycle, making it especially hardy. The core stems of the Panke baobab all collapsed between 2010 and 2011, causing it to topple and die in its entirety.
Baobab trees like Panke have historically had their fruit, leaves and bark relied upon for food, medicine and crafting purposes.
From the years of 2005 to 2017, 9 out of 13 of Africa's oldest baobabs were reported to have died "abruptly." The Panke baobab was the oldest of these fatalities. The research team responsible for looking into the African baobab population that noted this sudden decline suspects that the deaths have to do with the "significant modifications of climate conditions that affect southern Africa in particular."
As baobabs are known to be extremely difficult to kill, there is special cause for concern. The trunk of a baobab is made up of multiple tough core stems, and the tree is able to regrow bark and grow new branches throughout its life cycle, making it especially hardy. The core stems of the Panke baobab all collapsed between 2010 and 2011, causing it to topple and die in its entirety.
Baobab trees like Panke have historically had their fruit, leaves and bark relied upon for food, medicine and crafting purposes.
Date
Age 2419-2500. Died in 2011.
Rights
Under custodianship of Zimbabwe Forestry Commission prior to death.
Format
Deceased, state of remains unknown. Dimensions while alive unknown - estimated approximately 100ft tall.
Identifier
Physical object, African baobab (Adansonia digitata), deceased tree.
Coverage
Zimbabwe, Africa.
Citation
“Panke Baobab (African baobab),” Omeka, accessed August 20, 2026, https://omeka.ischool.utoronto.ca/items/show/238.