Balanites wilsoniana
| Balanites wilsoniana | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Balanites wilsoniana[1] |
| Genus | Balanites |
| Family | Zygophyllaceae[2] |
| Order | Zygophyllales[1] |
| Growth form | Evergreen tree |
| Native range | West Tropical Africa to Uganda and Mozambique[2] |
| Propagation | Seed and suckers[3] |
| Fruit | Green drupe ripening yellow, 6–10 cm[3] |
Balanites wilsoniana is a very large evergreen African tree associated with humid forest, seasonally dry tropical vegetation, and lowland river-valley settings. It is recorded from West Tropical Africa eastward to Uganda and Mozambique, with clay-rich alluvial substrates noted in the specialist account.[2][3]
Description[edit | edit source]
The tree develops an irregular crown and may reach about 30–40 m. The bole may be buttressed and is sometimes spiny. Its habitat includes rainforest, humid forest, and lowland river-valley alluvium, with records extending to about 1,200 m elevation.[3] The species is accepted in the family Zygophyllaceae.[1][2][4]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Native records place Balanites wilsoniana in lowland river-valley alluvium and clay-rich substrates within humid or seasonally dry tropical forest. A Tanzanian cultivation context gives mean annual rainfall of 1,000–1,800 mm.[3] In cultivation, those records point to a warm site with substantial soil moisture available during active growth; the rainfall figure is a regional context rather than a watering schedule.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
The species is associated with rainforest, humid forest, and seasonally dry tropical vegetation. A planting site should therefore reproduce tropical warmth and the atmospheric moisture of its native forest or river-valley setting as closely as practical.[2][3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Although evergreen, Balanites wilsoniana occurs in a seasonally dry tropical biome. Maintain the plant's access to moisture as the dry part of the local season develops.[2][3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Propagation is recorded by seed and by suckers.[3]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Bees are listed as pollinators. The fruit is a 6–10 cm drupe that is green before ripening yellow.[3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
Regional uses include occasional raw consumption of the fruit, edible seeds, and extraction of seed oil.[3] These records do not establish preparation, safety, or universal food-use guidance.