African Locust Bean
Parkia biglobosafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. B387 — Parkia biglobosa
Parkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosaParkia biglobosa
IOverview
Overview
African Locust Bean, scientifically known as Parkia biglobosa, is a large tree native to countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. This tree thrives in full sun with moist soil that can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), making it adaptable to various conditions within its native range. The plant is valued for its edible parts, which include flowers, leaves, seeds, and seedpods. One distinctive feature of the African Locust Bean is its ability to grow up to 15 meters in height, contributing to its ornamental appeal while also providing a source of food.
Quick answers
What is African Locust Bean?
African Locust Bean, scientifically known as Parkia biglobosa, is a large tree native to countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
African Locust Bean thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 15 meters tall. For propagation, the plant can be grown from seeds. Enjoy its edible parts including flowers, leaves, seed, and seedpods.
Light
Full sun
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 Locust Bean for the first time
8steps
Start with planting African Locust Bean in a sunny spot, and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
African Locust Bean seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 2-3 cm deep in the ground. Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly but do not overwater, keeping the soil moist. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting pruning, using chemical fertilizers, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:ContainersDyeFiberAnimal feedFire starterLumberPest controlMordantCraftingPotashWind breakerSoap makingSoil conditionerTanninTeethNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
18 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 18 native· 1 introduced
Asia1 region
introduced (1)India
Africa16 regions
native (16)BeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauMaliNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanTogo
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Gulf of Guinea Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · b387e957-ad7e-4a12-b41b-6b33f98cad76
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