SafePlants

African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum & Chrysophyllum africanum)

The fruit is known by several names, depending on the region and language:

• Common Names: African Star Apple, White Star Apple
• Local Names: Agbalumo (Yoruba, Nigeria), Udara (Igbo, Nigeria), Alasa (Ga, Ghana), Ciwoh (Hausa, Nigeria)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chrysophyllum albidum G.Don and Chrysophyllum africanum
• Family: Sapotaceae

Distribution and Habitat

The African Star Apple is native to West Africa. It is widespread throughout the region, including Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African countries.

Morphological Characteristics

• The White Star Apple is described as a dark yellowish fruit with semi-circle seeds.
• Fruits are seasonal and typically available during the dry season (e.g., December in Western and Southern Nigeria).
• The fruit has a fleshy pulp, which is commonly consumed.

Quirky Facts

• In a dream, seeing a star falling from the sky is believed to mean that a calamity will befall you.
• If a woman sees herself eating an apple in a known place in a dream, it could have a certain interpretation.

Uses and Potential Benefits

• The fleshy pulp of the fruit is widely consumed as food.
• Some research suggests potential benefits for individuals with diabetes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The African Star Apple is susceptible to damage from insect pests during the fruiting season.
• Fungal isolates have been found to contribute to the biodeterioration of the fruit during storage.

Further Information

• Information can be found in publications by the National Research Council's "Lost Crops of Africa" series.
• Research articles in journals like the "African Journal of Pharmacy" provide detailed analyses of the fruit's properties.