Editing Vitellaria paradoxa (section)

== Cultivation ==

=== Soil and water ===

In its native parkland setting, shea grows on dry sandy-clay soils, including sandy, stony and lateritic ground, with organic matter where available. For cultivation, use a deep, well-drained soil with organic cover and avoid swampy, persistently flooded or heavy wet sites. The deep taproot and wide shallow laterals make undisturbed rooting volume valuable; protect young trees from competing weeds while they establish.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

=== Sun and humidity ===

Open savanna is the useful habitat model: plant in full sun where possible, although light shade is tolerated. Keep foliage well ventilated rather than reproducing a closed, stagnant canopy. The species occurs across seasonal savanna climates, with the agroforestry reference giving roughly 600–1,400 mm annual rainfall and 24–32 °C mean annual temperature as a broad native range.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>

=== Seasonal changes ===

The tree sheds its leaves during the dry season. Flowering is also associated with the dry season and lasts about 30–75 days; fruit then develops over roughly 4–6 months. In cultivation, give establishing trees reliable moisture during active growth while allowing the root zone to drain freely, and reduce irrigation rather than keeping the soil saturated during the dry-season rhythm.<sup>[[#cite_note-2|[2]]]</sup><sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup>