Mkani (Allanblackia stuhlmannii)

Family: Clusiaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Mkani or Msambo (Allanblackia stuhlmannii) is a medium-sized to fairly large evergreen, flowering tree that can only be found in Tanzania. It grows up to 45m tall, and it has a straight bole that can be up to 65 cm in diameter and can be clear of branches for up to 9 m. First flowering usually occurs when the tree is about 12 years old. Fruits are long or cone shaped berry and takes more than a year to develop and mature.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

An edible non-drying fat, called Mkani fat, is obtained from the seed. It is locally important, where it is used in cooking and has been used as a substitute for butter and cocoa butter. Air-dried seeds contain about 50% fat. — An edible non-drying fat, called Mkani fat, is obtained from the seed.; It is locally important, where it is used in cooking and has been used as a substitute for butter and cocoa butter.; Air-dried seeds contain about 50% fat.; The fatty acid composition of the fat is remarkable as it consists mainly of stearic acid (45 - 58%) and oleic acid (40 - 51%).

Habitat & North American Range

Seaward slopes and valley bottoms of evergreen submontane and montane forest at elevations of 800 - 1,200, occasionally to 1,600 metres. (Zone 10)