African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree
Pentaclethra macrophyllafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 1C49 — Pentaclethra macrophylla
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IOverview
Overview
The African Oil Bean Tree, scientifically known as Pentaclethra macrophylla, is a large tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Ghana. This tree thrives in moist environments with medium to heavy clay soil and requires full or partial sun for optimal growth. Reaching heights of up to 30 meters, it is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and the production of oil-rich seeds that are used in various culinary applications. The African Oil Bean Tree is versatile and can be utilized for crafting, fire starting, fencing, lighting, mordanting, mulching, soap making, soil conditioning, lumber, coppicing, and as a nitrogen fixer. Its native range extends across Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Islands, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Zaïre. This tree is hardy in zones 10-12 and can be introduced into suitable tropical climates. While primarily ornamental and edible, it also serves multiple practical purposes in the cultivation and crafting industries.
Quick answers
What is African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree?
The African Oil Bean Tree, scientifically known as Pentaclethra macrophylla, is a large tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Ghana.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The African Oil Bean Tree, or Pentaclethra macrophylla, thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist, medium to heavy clay soil. It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 30 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist, and provide ample sunlight. Propagation is typically done through seed or seedpod. Given its native range in tropical and subtropical regions, this tree prefers warm climates.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with planting an African Oil Bean Tree to gain experience in basic tree care.
- 1
What you'll need
African Oil Bean seeds, a large pot or garden space, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with some clay content. Ensure containers have drainage holes if planting indoors.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting. Plant seeds about 2 inches deep.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to avoid scorching young seedlings.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide full sun for best growth but protect from strong winds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, and using unsuitable soil.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Oil, Salt
Other uses:CraftingFire starterFencingLightingMordantMulchoilSoap makingSoil conditionerLumberCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 17 native
Africa13 regions
native (13)AngolaBeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireGabonGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauLiberiaNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneTogo
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., Zaïre
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 · 1c4986ba-aa9e-4300-9106-024e153c017e
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