Mongongo Nut Manketti Tree
Schinziophyton rautaneniifam. Fabaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 258D — Schinziophyton rautanenii
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IOverview
Overview
The Mongongo Nut Manketti Tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii) is a large, deciduous tree native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Angola, Botswana, Caprivi Strip, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating both dry and moist conditions. Standing up to 12 meters tall, it is a distinctive feature of the landscape across its native range, where it provides valuable resources for wildlife and local communities.
Quick answers
What is Mongongo Nut Manketti Tree?
The Mongongo Nut Manketti Tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii) is a large, deciduous tree native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Angola, Botswana, Caprivi Strip, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Mongongo Nut Manketti Tree thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist environments. This tree is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows to a height of 12 meters. For propagation, seeds are the recommended method. Given its native range across Africa, it adapts well to various soil types and climates within its natural habitat.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mongongo Nut Manketti Tree for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting process for the Mongongo Nut Manketti Tree, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Mongongo Nut Manketti tree sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late winter or early spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a sandy loam mix with good drainage. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep and wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring not to damage the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this critical period. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly as it prefers dry conditions, especially once established. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruits when they turn yellow and are fully ripe.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:CosmeticFencingFiberHairHedgerowoilPaintSoapWeaving materialVarnishLumberCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 10 native
Africa8 regions
native (8)AngolaBotswanaMalawiMozambiqueNamibiaTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Caprivi Strip, 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
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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