Bitter bush-mango
Irvingia wombolu
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Pl. EE4B — Irvingia wombolu
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IOverview
Overview
Bitter bush-mango, scientifically known as Irvingia wombolu, is a tree native to the forests of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, and Zaïre. This tree thrives in moist environments with light or partial sun exposure and can grow up to 20 meters tall. It is valued for its edible fruit and seed, making it a significant resource in the region. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to adapt to various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils, while another notable characteristic is its hardiness range from zone 10-12.
Quick answers
What is Bitter bush-mango?
Bitter bush-mango, scientifically known as Irvingia wombolu, is a tree native to the forests of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, and Zaïre.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bitter bush-mango thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is well-draining or clayey. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12. This plant requires light to medium soil types and should be watered regularly to maintain moisture levels. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Given its native range across West and Central Africa, bitter bush-mango is well-adapted to tropical climates.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bitter bush-mango for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Bitter bush-mango.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Bitter bush-mango sapling, well-draining soil, and a large pot or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warming up after the last frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light sandy, medium, or clay soil with good drainage. Ensure containers are at least 50 liters for saplings.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young sapling to its permanent spot or a large container filled with well-draining soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade for the first week to reduce stress on the plant.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established and keep the soil consistently moist. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every 6 months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young branches to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased wood. Harvest fruit when they turn yellow and are slightly soft.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Fire starteroilSoap makingLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 15 native
Africa12 regions
native (12)AngolaCameroonCôte d'IvoireGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauLiberiaNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanUganda
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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