Douka (Tieghemella africana)

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

Douka, Tieghemella africana, is a large tropical tree growing up to 50 m tall and 2.5 m across. It has an enormous crown and spreading, heavy branches. The bole is cylindrical and sometimes buttressed. The inner bark is fibrous and yields a sticky latex. The leaves are simple and alternate. The fruits are oval and contain one to three seeds each. The seeds yield fat which can be used externally to treat rheumatism.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in an edible fat, which is locally popular as a cooking or seasoning oil. — The seed kernels are rich in an edible fat, which is locally popular as a cooking or seasoning oil.; The fatty oil from the seed kernel is yellowish and semi-fluid, has a pronounced flavour and taste, and consists of about 55% oleic acid, 21.5% stearic acid, 16.5% palmitic acid and 5% linoleic acid.; The kernel comprises about 50% of fat.

Habitat & North American Range

An emergent tree of primary rain forest, most common in coastal lowland and diminishing towards the eastern parts of its range. It occurs scattered in the forest, but may locally be more abundant. (Zone 10)