African Oil Bean. Oil Bean Tree (Pentaclethra macrophylla)

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

Pentaclethra macrophylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seeds - boiled or roasted. They can be ground into a flour and used in making bread. The pods are 40 - 50cm long and 5 - 10cm wide, containing 6 - 10 flat, glossy brown seeds up to 7cm long. The seeds are fermented to produce 'ugba'. — Seeds - boiled or roasted.; They can be ground into a flour and used in making bread.; The pods are 40 - 50cm long and 5 - 10cm wide, containing 6 - 10 flat, glossy brown seeds up to 7cm long.; The seeds are fermented to produce 'ugba'.

Habitat & North American Range

Mainly in lowland rainforest, but also sometimes in the high forest zone. Often occurs near streams and on the edges of damp depressions, and is frequently seen as a small tree of untidy habit and large crown on roadsides and farms. (Zone 10)