Irvingia gabonensis

Share:

Move your mouse over image to enlarge

  • Herbarium No: UPH NO. V--823
  • Irvingia gabonensis
  • (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill.
  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Irvingia gabonensis
  • Genus: Irvingia
  • Synonym: Irvingia duparquetii Tiegh.
  • Common/Local Name(s): African mango, Wild mango, Bush mango and Dika nut.
  • Family: Ixonanthaceae
  • Botanical Description: Irvingia gabonensis is a medium to large-sized tree, reaching heights of up to 40 meters. The leaves are alternate, evergreen, elliptic to lanceolate, and glossy dark green. The fruit is large, oval to oblong, and green when unripe, turning yellow-orange when ripe. It has a fibrous outer husk and a large, single seed inside. The seeds, known as dika nuts, are edible and have a high nutritional value. They are often used in traditional African cuisine and are rich in fats, proteins, and other nutrients.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowering often occurs from June to September.
  • Plant Uses: Culinary(The fruit pulp and seeds are used in various traditional African dishes, soups, and sauces. The seeds are often processed into flour or oil) and Medicinal.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: University of Port Harcourt Delta Park.
  • Habit: Tree
  • Mode: Cultivated

Location on the map