Gambeya lacourtiana

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 30 m high. The trunk is 90 cm across. The leaves are oblong and pointed. They are 11-36 cm long by 4.5-12.5 cm wide. They taper to the base. The leaf stalks are 2-3 cm long. The fruit are apple shaped and dark red to light orange. They are 10 cm long by 7 cm wide.

There are about 80-150 Chrysophyllum species. They are mostly in tropical America. There are 44 species in tropical America.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical Africa in forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon, Sierra Leone, West Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten by poking a hole in the end and sucking the pulp out. After eating this fruit others things eaten taste sweet.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Fruiting is seasonal. In Central African Republic flowers have been recorded in October and fruit in December. In Congo fruit are available March to April.

Its other names

Local names

Abam, Bambambo, Bambu, Bolinda, Edinda, Idinda, Kilofe, Lilinda, Mamba, Mbele, Mbelese, Mubamfu, Mukulumu, Obom, Ohambu, Ohamu, Olinda, Onda, Sosi

Synonyms

Chrysophyllum lacourtiana De Wild.;