Common Name: Dacryodes
Scientific Name: Dacryodes
Native Habitat: Primarily tropical Africa, particularly West and Central Africa, extending into some other tropical regions.

The genus Dacryodes belongs to the Burseraceae family, which is known for resinous trees and shrubs. While the genus encompasses several species found across tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America, the most economically and culturally significant species, and likely the one of primary interest for cultivation, is Dacryodes edulis. Known commonly as the African Plum, Bush Butter Tree, or Safou, this tree’s relationship with humanity stretches back centuries, deeply interwoven with the agricultural and culinary traditions of Central and West Africa. Unlike plants “discovered” by European botanists and subsequently introduced to the world, Dacryodes edulis has been a staple food crop within its native range for millennia. Its history is one of continuous cultivation and domestication by the indigenous peoples of Africa. Evidence suggests its use is ancient, predating written records, with local populations selecting and propagating trees for desirable traits such as fruit size, flavour, oil content, and yield. This process of informal selection and cultivation over vast periods is the true “discovery” and “cultivation” story – one driven by community need and traditional knowledge rather than formal botanical exploration. The tree grows naturally in moist tropical forests and transitions to savanna, often found near rivers or in areas with high humidity. Its resilience and adaptability within these climates contributed to its widespread use. Families and communities traditionally own and manage Dacryodes edulis trees, passing down knowledge of their care and harvesting techniques through generations. The fruit is typically harvested during the transitional seasons, often providing a crucial food source when other crops may be less available. European botanical science formally described species within the genus Dacryodes later, documenting plants already well-known and utilised by local populations. For Dacryodes edulis, this formal description acknowledged a plant with deep roots in African culture and agriculture. Its scientific classification helped integrate it into global botanical knowledge but did not represent its initial “discovery” by humanity. In recent decades, there has been increasing international interest in Dacryodes edulis not just as a traditional food crop but as a potential commercial product for export and cultivation in other suitable tropical regions. Research efforts are focusing on developing improved cultivars, understanding optimal growing conditions, and exploring its nutritional and economic potential on a larger scale. This modern phase represents a new chapter in the cultivation and popularization of this ancient African tree, bringing it to the attention of a wider global audience beyond its traditional homeland. While specific historical figures associated with its initial “discovery” in the Western sense are less relevant than its long history of indigenous cultivation, contemporary researchers and agricultural scientists are playing a key role in its modern dissemination and improvement. The story of Dacryodes, particularly D. edulis, is thus a powerful example of a plant whose history is primarily one of deep cultural connection and long-term stewardship by the people who have lived alongside it for countless generations.

Dacryodes species, particularly Dacryodes edulis, exhibit adaptations suited to their native tropical forest environments. They are evergreen trees adapted to high humidity and consistent warmth. D. edulis develops a deep root system which helps it access water and nutrients in forest soils and provides stability. The timing of its fruiting season, often coinciding with the transition from wet to dry periods or early in the dry season, is an adaptation that provides a valuable food source when other fruits may be scarce. The relatively tough, oily fruit is attractive to various animals which aid in seed dispersal. Its ability to grow in various soil types within its range, provided there is adequate moisture and drainage, also contributes to its success.

The most common and traditional method for propagating Dacryodes edulis is by seed. However, seeds must be sown quickly after extraction from the fruit as their viability decreases rapidly. Seed-grown trees can take many years (5-10+) to fruit and may not inherit the desirable traits of the parent tree. Grafting is increasingly used for commercial propagation. Grafting superior scions onto rootstock ensures genetic purity, results in faster fruiting (often within 2-4 years), and allows for the propagation of specific, high-yielding or quality cultivars. Other methods like cuttings and air layering are generally less successful or practical compared to seed or grafting.

Based on available information, the fruit of Dacryodes edulis is widely consumed and considered safe and non-toxic to humans. It is a source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. There are no widely reported cases of toxicity to common pets like cats and dogs from ingestion of the fruit or typical plant parts (leaves, bark) in garden or cultivated settings. While comprehensive toxicological studies on all parts of all Dacryodes species may be limited, the extensive history of safe human consumption of the fruit from the most well-known species (D. edulis) suggests a low risk of significant toxicity from casual exposure. As with any plant, ingestion of large quantities of non-edible parts could potentially cause mild digestive upset, but severe poisoning is not associated with this genus.

• Fruit flies (can damage ripening fruit)
• Mealybugs (can infest leaves and stems)
• Scale insects (attach to stems and leaves, feeding on sap)
• Wood-boring insects (can attack stems and branches, especially on stressed trees)

• Anthracnose (fungal disease causing leaf spots and fruit blemishes)
• Leaf spot (various fungi causing spots on leaves)
• Root rot (caused by various fungi in waterlogged or poorly drained soil)

• Poor fruit set (can be due to lack of pollination, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental stress)
• Slow growth (often caused by insufficient light, poor soil fertility, or inadequate watering)
• Leaf yellowing (can indicate nutrient deficiency, overwatering, or poor drainage)

Within its native range in tropical Africa, Dacryodes edulis is a common and widely cultivated tree, not considered rare. However, outside of these regions, it can be considered rare as a cultivated tree due to the specific tropical conditions it requires (high temperature and humidity, no frost) and the challenges associated with importing plant material or fresh, viable seeds. Specific cultivars known for exceptional fruit quality or yield may be rarer even within its native range, as they are primarily propagated vegetatively (grafting).

The value of a Dacryodes tree, particularly Dacryodes edulis, is primarily determined by its potential to produce edible fruit. Factors affecting value include:

• Maturity and Size: Larger, mature trees capable of fruiting command higher value.
• Cultivar: Grafted trees of known, high-yielding, or desirable fruit quality cultivars are significantly more valuable than seedling-grown trees.
• Fruit Yield and Quality: Trees known for consistent, abundant yields of large, flavorful, oily fruits are highly prized.
• Location: In areas outside its native range where it can be successfully grown, its value is higher due to its rarity and novelty as an exotic fruit tree.
• Provenance: Knowing the source and genetic quality (if grafted) can add value.