African Birch
Anogeissus leiocarpa
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Pl. 645F — Anogeissus leiocarpa
Anogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpaAnogeissus leiocarpa
IOverview
Overview
African Birch (Anogeissus leiocarpa) is a tree native to several countries in West and Central Africa including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Togo, and Zaïre. Known for its edible parts such as fruit, inner bark, and leaves, it thrives in full to partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). The tree grows up to 15 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12. Its distinctive feature includes its ability to adapt to various habitats across a wide range of African landscapes.
Quick answers
What is African Birch?
African Birch (Anogeissus leiocarpa) is a tree native to several countries in West and Central Africa including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Togo, and Zaïre.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African Birch thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in hardiness zones 10-12 and can reach a height of 15 meters. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. The plant's edible parts include the fruit, inner bark, and leaves.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African Birch for the first time
8steps
Start with planting African Birch in a sunny spot and basic soil, focusing on simple care.
- 1
What you'll need
African Birch saplings or seeds, potting mix if container gardening.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay types. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the ground or start seeds in small pots before transferring to larger ones.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a partially shaded area if direct sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full to partial sun, and ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Prune lightly to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune branches for shaping or remove dead wood as needed. Harvest leaves and inner bark for culinary use if desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without partial shade, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitInner barkLeaves
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:AdhesiveFire starterDyeGumMordantPioneerSoap makingErosion controlTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 19 native
Africa17 regions
native (17)BeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEritreaEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaMaliMauritaniaNigerNigeriaSenegalSudanTogo
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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