Allanblackia ulugurensis
Family: Clusiaceae
What it is like
A large evergreen tree. It grows 30 m high. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are dark green and 8-20 cm long by 4-11 cm wide. The flowers are of one sex with male and female flowers on separate trees. The flowers are clustered twoards the ends of the small branches. The fruit are reddish pink. They are 10-13 cm long by 7-8 cm wide. THey hang at the end of a long stalk. The seeds are irregular in shape and have a brittle shell. They are 3-4 cm long by 2.3 cm across.
Guttiferae/Clusiaceae are mostly confined to the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows on steeper slopes and at higher altitudes in Tanzania. It is best in full sun on well drained soil. It grows between 700-2,100 m above sea level. It grows in areas with an average temperature between 13-30°C and an average rainfall between 1,200-2,400 mm.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Cuba, East Africa, Tanzania (country/location of origin), West Indies
How it is used for food
The seeds produce an edible fat. The edible fat is used in cooking.
Seeds are sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Nuts, seeds, seeds - oil
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds do not grow easily.
The ripe fruit are collected from the ground and the fruit broken to release the seeds. The seeds are dried in the sun then pounded into a powder and boiled in water. The fat or oil floats to the surface. Dried seed can be stored for several months.
Its other names
Local names
Mkange, Mkani, Mkanye, Msambu, Msasarari, Msumbu-bwiti