Allanblackia stuhlmannii

Allanblackia stuhlmannii is an evergreen tree native only to Tanzania. Its local names include Mkani and Msambo. It belongs to the Clusiaceae family. It grows in mountain forests, on seaward slopes and valley floors. Most sites lie at 2,625–3,937 feet [800–1,200 metres]. Some reach 5,249 feet [1,600 metres]. The cited conservation account lists it as vulnerable. Its forest range is small, split into patches, and shrinking. Too few young trees grow to replace existing stands.

The tree reaches about 115 feet [35 metres] in height. Some trees reach 148 feet [45 metres]. The sources give no clear garden size range. Its straight trunk can reach 2.1 feet [0.65 metres] across. It may lack branches for 30 feet [9 metres]. Some trunks have buttress roots at their base. The tree keeps its leaves throughout the year. Its timber has pale grey-brown sapwood around a small, dark core.

Trees first flower at about 12 years old in the wild. Bloom falls during the short rains, from November to February. Insects, birds, and bats pollinate the flowers. The tree cannot fertilise itself. Its berries are long or cone-shaped. They need more than a year to ripen. Seeds yield an edible fat known as Mkani fat. People use it for cooking and as a butter substitute. It also serves as a cocoa butter substitute. Air-dried seeds contain about half their weight in fat.

This tropical tree grows best in full sun. It needs moist soil that drains well. Loam and clay suit it, including heavy clay. Wild trees grow on mainly acid soils. PFAF also lists neutral soil as suitable. It gives USDA zones 10–12 and notes that frost harms it. Growth is moderate, but raising trees from seed takes patience. Seeds may take over seven months to start sprouting. Sprouting can then continue for another 18 months. Young seedlings need mycorrhizal fungi for good growth.

Farmers retain trees when they clear forest for fields. The main uses are seed fat and timber. People also make candles from the fat and dyes from bark. Traditional remedies use leaves, bark, roots, and seed fat. These reported uses do not establish medical safety or benefit. The sources list no known hazards. They give no specific pest or disease details. Cuttings and air layers offer alternatives to slow seed propagation. Cuttings from female trees can root within eight to twelve weeks.