Tieghemella heckelii (A.Chev.) Pierre ex Dubard

A large tree. It grows 50 m high. The trunk is angular at the base. It does not have buttresses. The trunk is 25 m long and 1-2 m across. It has horizontal branches near the top. The bark is thick, grey and cracked. The leaves are simple and 15 cm long by 7.5 cm wide. They are oval and dark green and shiny. The flower are small and white and have a scent. The fruit are yellow berries. They usually contain a single seed. The seeds are 6-8 cm long and there can be 1-3 in a large pulpy fruit. Half the seed is shiny and the other half is dull and rough.

A tropical plant. It grows in moist evergreen and semi-deciduous forests. It is best in a heavy soil. Young trees can tolerate shade and mature trees need full sun.

The seeds are rich in an edible fat. It is used for cooking and seasoning. The pulp around the seeds is eaten raw.

Plants can be grown by seeds. Seeds germinate in shade but seedlings grow best in sunlight.