Abam (Pouteria altissima)

Family: Sapotaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Pouteria altissima is a tropical tree that can be found in evergreen rainforests in various parts in Africa. It grows up to 40 m in height and 1 m in trunk diameter. The trunk is straight and cylindrical. The fruits are red when ripe. There are no known medicinal and edible uses of this species. However, it can used as a shade tree in coffee, cocoa, and banana plantations. The bark yields latex but there are no known uses of the latex to date.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

A canopy tree in the driest types of semi-deciduous forest in west Africa; it can be common, locally even dominant, in rainforest in east Africa; found at elevations from 1,000 - 1,700 metres. (Zone 10)