Irvingia gabonensis

Irvingia gabonensis is a species of African trees in the genus Irvingia, sometimes known by the common names wild mango, African mango, or bush mango. They bear edible mango-like fruits, and are especially valued for their fat- and protein-rich nuts. Distribution and habitat Irvingia gabonensis is indigenous to the humid forest zone from the northern tip of Angola, including Congo, DR Congo, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and south-western Uganda. Since 2009, the Gabonese government has prohibited logging of the andok tree until 2034. Biophysical limits The tree is present in the tropical wet and dry climate zone. African bush mango grows naturally in canopied jungle, gallery forests and semi-deciduous forests. It grows at altitudes from with annual rainfalls from . Supported temperature ranges from . Soils more than deep are needed, with a moderate fertility and good drainage. pH can range from 4.5 to 7.5. Description Irvingia gabonensis grows straight, up to a height of and in diameter. It has buttresses to a height of 3m (10 ft). The outer bark is smooth to scaly with grey to yellow-grey color. The crown is evergreen, spherical and dense. Leaves are elliptic, one margin is often a little rounder than the other, acuminate, dark green and glossy on the upper surface. Flowers are yellow to greenish-white in small panicles. The flowers are bisexual. The fruit is nearly spherical, green when ripe with a bright orange pulp. The stone is woody and contains one seed. Seeds germinate epigeally (above ground).