False shea butternut, African pearwood
Baillonella toxisperma

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It grows to 60 m high. The trunk can be 5 m across. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are 15-30 cm long by 5-10 cm wide. The fruit are round and 6 cm across. There are 1-2 seeds per fruit.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa

How it is used for food

The flesh of the fruit is eaten when ripe. The seeds yield an oil. The residue after extracting the oil is toxic. The leaves are used as a vegetable.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds - oil, fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Adjap, Adza, Gio, Mabe, Mabi, Moabi, Njabi, Njap, Oko uku

Synonyms

Baillonella djave (Engl.) Pierre ex Dubard; Baillonella obovata Engl.; Baillonella pierreana (Engl.) A. Chev.; Mimusops djave Engl.; Mimusops obovata Engl.; Mimusops pierreana Engl.; Mimusops toxisperma (Pierre) A. Chev,;