Ongokea gore aka Boleko Nut

Ongokea gore, or boleko nut, is a large evergreen tree. It belongs to the Olacaceae family. Its native range spans tropical western Africa south to Angola. It grows in dense evergreen and moist semi-deciduous forests. Trees occur on dry ground and sites that flood at times. People gather its fruit, oil, and wood from wild trees. Useful Tropical Plants reports no cultivation of this species.

Reference profiles give a height of 98 feet [30 metres]. They list a spread of 66 feet [20 metres]. Forest trees can reach 164 feet [50 metres]. These figures do not establish a usual garden size. The straight, round trunk can lack branches for 66 feet [20 metres]. Its width can reach about 5 feet [1.5 metres]. The base lacks buttresses, though roots may form large swellings. The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along stems.

The round fruit is a drupe with a hard inner stone. It measures about 0.07–0.13 feet [0.02–0.04 metres] across. Its edible flesh tastes sweet, with a slight drying effect. Fresh pulp has an apple-like scent and contains about two-thirds water. Collectors often let the flesh decay before gathering the stones. The seeds yield a reddish-yellow oil with an unpleasant smell. This oil is not edible, despite the fruit pulp's food use.

PFAF describes a moderate growth rate and sun or light shade. It lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils as suitable. It also specifies good drainage and dry to moist soil. Its stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. PFAF gives USDA zones 10–12, consistent with its tropical range. Seed germination may take months or exceed a year. The supplied accounts give no flowering season or flower details. They also give no specific pest or disease problems.

The seed oil serves in soap making and surface protection. People apply it to wood, metal, and skin. Dry seeds contain about 63 percent oil. The wood also provides timber, including material for furniture. Traditional medicine uses the bark as a laxative and for spleen complaints. People use the sap to help stop bleeding. These records describe traditional uses, not proven treatments. The sources list no known hazards for the plant. However, they clearly identify its seed oil as inedible. Heating that oil to high temperatures can trigger an explosive reaction.