Allanblackia parviflora aka Vegetable Tallowtree

Allanblackia parviflora is an evergreen tree in the Clusiaceae family. Its common names include vegetable tallow tree and Ouotera. It comes from tropical West Africa, from Guinea to Ghana. It grows in rain forest and secondary forest undergrowth. Wet evergreen forests hold the largest numbers, often on slopes. It is less frequent in forests that lose some leaves. Its habitat reaches about 820 feet [250 metres] above sea level.

PFAF lists a height of 66 feet [20 metres]. It gives a spread of 49 feet [15 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants reports trees reaching 98 feet [30 metres]. The trunk grows straight and round, without buttresses at its base. Its diameter can reach 1–2.6 feet [0.3–0.8 metres]. The inner bark holds a sticky yellow resin. Branches break easily, so the tree needs shelter from strong winds.

This fast-growing tree suits moist soil with good drainage. It can grow in sun or light shade. PFAF lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils as suitable. It accepts acid to neutral soil, including very acid ground. Wild trees grow in soils with pH values of 3.8–4.1. PFAF places it in USDA zones 10–12. The tree is not self-fertile. Growers collect ripe fruit after it falls to the ground. They cannot judge ripeness well while fruit remains on branches.

The seeds provide a fat used to prepare food. It stays solid at room temperature and melts near 35°C. Food makers value it as an ingredient for margarine. The kernel forms about 60 percent of each seed. About 72 percent of the kernel consists of fat. Local markets sell both seeds and their oil. PFAF also lists the fruit as edible. Both sources report no known hazards, rather than proof of complete safety.

People also use seed oil in soap and cosmetics. The wood serves local carpentry, though it has limited commercial value. It works well and takes a good finish. Reports describe termite resistance, but the wood lacks lasting durability. Small twigs serve as toothpicks and chewing sticks. Traditional remedies use bark for stomach complaints and toothache. Other remedies use bark or leaves for coughs and chest complaints. These records describe local uses, not proven medical effects. Seed propagation is slow, despite the tree's fast growth. Germination may take 24–30 months, and few seeds sprout. Seed-coat treatments improve results only slightly.