African Pearwood, False Shea Butternut

Baillonella toxisperma

Physical Characteristics

Baillonella toxisperma is a deciduous Tree growing to 50 m (164ft) by 40 m (131ft) at a fast 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 and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western tropical Africa - southern Nigeria to Gabon, Congo and south-western DR Congo.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Edible portion: Nut, Seeds - oil, Fruit. The fruit pulp is eaten fresh although it contains latex[ 299 , 317 ]. The seed kernel contains a fatty oil that is used in cooking[ 299 , 317 ]. The residue after extracting the oil is toxic.

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Kidney Odontalgic Pectoral The seed kernel contains a fatty oil that is used in traditional medicine[ 299 ]. It is applied externally to treat rheumatic pains[ 299 ]. Bark decoctions are used to treat kidney problems, toothache, rickets, vaginal infections and affections of the respiratory and digestive tracts[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

The residues of oil extraction are sometimes used as fish poison[ 299 ]. Sawdust from the wood can irritate mucous membrances[ 848 ].