African walnut
Coula edulis

Family: Olacaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows to 30 m high. The trunk is 1 m across. The branches are often spreading. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are 10-25 cm long by 4-10 cm wide. They end in a point. The flowers are in rusty hairs clusters. The fruit is round. They are 3-4 cm across. The fruit is fleshy with a stone inside. This has one seed.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the hot, humid tropical lowlands. It tolerates moderate shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Benin, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Côte d'Ivoire, East Africa, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, West Africa

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten fresh and also boiled or roasted. They are also fermented and used as flavouring.

It is a commonly eaten nut. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds - oil, fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

It Sierra Leone trees flower from February to May and fruit are produced from November to February.

Its other names

Local names

Atsan, Attia, Bodjue, Bodwe, Ekom, Emumu, Engom, Ewome, Ewoumeu, Fiya-towo, Gaboon-nut, Ivianlegbe, Kommol, Kumen, Kumini, Kumumu, Kumunu, Mengom, Mengoume, Ndokei, Ngoma, Noisette, Noyer du pays, Obiablon, Seh, Slah, Sweh, Tokei, Udi, Woula

Synonyms

Coula cabrae De Willd. & T. Durand; Coula utilis S. Moore;