SafePlants

Dacryodes: A Botanical Overview

The genus Dacryodes encompasses a variety of trees, primarily known for their resin production and in some cases, edible fruits. This overview explores various aspects of this genus, drawing upon available botanical information.

Considerations for Pets

• Several Dacryodes species produce resinous droplets from their bark.
• Dacryodes species have fleshy fruits, which may be appealing to some animals.

Considerations for Children

• Several Dacryodes species produce resinous droplets from their bark.
• Dacryodes species have fleshy fruits, which may be appealing to some children.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Dacryodes
• Family: Burseraceae
• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae)

Nomenclature

• The name Dacryodes comes from the Greek word "dakruon," meaning "tear(drop)," referring to the resin droplets found on the bark of some species.

Accepted Species

• Dacryodes acutipyrena Cuatrec.
• Dacryodes buettneri (Engl.) H.J.Lam
• Dacryodes excelsa Vahl
• Dacryodes longifolia (King) H.J. Lam
• Dacryodes rostrata Fruits

Dacryodes edulis: The African Pear

• Common Names: African pear, safou, Atanga (Gabon), African or bush pear or plum, Nsafu, bush butter tree, butterfruit.
• Synonyms: Pachylobusedulis (G. Don), Canarium edule (G. Don) Hook, C. saphu Engl., Pachylobus edulis G.

Distribution and Habitat of Dacryodes edulis

• Native to Africa, specifically the countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea.
• Grown from Sierra Leone to Angola along the Atlantic coast and further inland.
• Notably found in Igboland (eastern part of Nigeria).
• Significant growth in production and consumption in central Africa.

Morphological Characteristics of Dacryodes edulis

• A medium-sized, evergreen tree.
• Reaches a height of 18-40 meters in the forest, but typically does not exceed 12 meters in plantations.
• In cultivation, bush butter trees usually grow up to 20 meters tall, but specimens can reach up to 40 meters.
• Exudes an odoriferous substance.
• Has fleshy fruits.

Ecological Role of Dacryodes excelsa

• Dacryodes excelsa (Tabonuco) is the dominant large tree of the native forests that formerly covered the northern regions.

Traditional Uses & Interesting Facts about Dacryodes edulis

• The fruit (ube) has been scientifically proven to possess a broad range of medicinal and pharmacological properties.
• The Igbos of Southeast Nigeria believe Dacryodes edulis (ube) originated in the region and heavily cultivate it.
• Dacryodes edulis is reported to be one of the most important Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Cameroon.

Further Information

• Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research.