Boleko Nut

Ongokea gore

Physical Characteristics

Ongokea gore is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

West tropical Africa - Sierra Leone to the Congo, south to Angola.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: The pulp of the fruit is edible[299 ]. Sweet, but slightly astringent[299 ]. The pulp of the fresh fruit contains 67% moisture, its smell is reminiscent of apple[299 ]. The fruit is a globose drupe, 2 - 4cm in diameter[299 ].

Medicinal Uses

Laxative Styptic The bark is laxative[299 ]. The bark is used to treat enlargement of the spleen[299 ]. The fresh bark is rubbed on the breasts of lactating mothers to purge their babies[299 ]. Similarly, a decoction of the bark is used as a wash for babies, or they are given a pinch of pounded bark mixed with a little salt[299 ]. The sap is used as styptic[299 ]. The root and stem bark contain cyclohexanoid protaflavanones named ongokeins; they are related to sakuranetin and are characterized by a non-aromatic C6-ring moiety that is otherwise only known from certain ferns[299 ].

Known Hazards

None known