African Walnut (Coula edulis)

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

Coula edulis or African Walnut is an evergreen tree native to western Africa with a dense crown and grows up to 38 m in height. The leaves are simple and arranged alternately. The flowers are greenish yellow with four or five petals. The nut is an ellipsoidal drupe, smooth and red or green in colour. It is also known as Gabon nut. Plant parts have various uses. The nut is eaten raw or cooked. It can also be fermented and used as a condiment.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant taste. — Seed - raw or cooked.; A good dessert nut with a pleasant taste.; The oily kernel has a taste comparable to that of a chestnut or hazelnut.; It can be eaten raw, grilled or boiled.

Habitat & North American Range

It has its main distribution in the rain forest. Tolerates moderate shade and is normally a constituent of the upper reaches of the lower storey but is also found in the upper canopy. Semi-gregarious, it does not appear to be selective about sites. (Zone 10)