Is African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree edible?

Yes — African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree (Pentaclethra macrophylla) is catalogued as edible in this database. Always confirm species ID before harvest and source from clean ground.

How should African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree be stored?

Dried African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree keeps 12–18 months in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight and moisture. Volatile-oil constituents degrade faster — buy in small quantities and use within 6 months of opening for peak potency. Refrigerate tinctures once opened.

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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 1C49edible

Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAF POWOreviewed 7 Jul 2026methodology → read

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African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree

Pentaclethra macrophyllafam. 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 →

edibletall treesedible fruittreenative africaornamentaledible

Updated7 July 2026·Quick Q&A →

Pentaclethra macrophylla (African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree) — botanical photograph

Pl. 1C49 — Pentaclethra macrophylla

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Prezentare

Arborele Africană de Ole, cunoscută scientific sub numele Pentaclethra macrophylla, este o arbore mare nativă în regiunile tropicale a Africii de Vest și Centrale, inclusiv Angola, Benin, Camerun și Ghana. Această arbore se dezvoltă în mediului umed cu sucuri medii sau grele (clay) și necesită soare complet sau parțial pentru creșterea optimă. Cunoscută pentru ceaiul și podul de semințe, poate atinge înălțimile până la 30 de metri. Caracteristică distinctivă este lângă frunzele mari și formează cu formele, producând semințe bogate în ulei utilizate în diverse aplicații culinare.

Quick answers

What is African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree?

Full Q&A reference →

Compare with:African Walnut→Allanblackia parviflora→Checkerbloom→all comparisons →

Growingconditions · propagation · uses

Cultivare

Arborele Africană de Ole se dezvoltă în soare complet sau parțial și necesită sucuri umede care pot fi medii sau grele (clay). Este durabil în zonele 10-12, făcând-o adecvată pentru climile tropicale. Această arbore crește până la 30 de metri și produce ceaiuri și poduri de semințe cu aburi. Asigurați-vă că sucuria rămâne umedă, dar evitați apărerea rotii radicale prin prelungirea apării.

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.

Edible & utility

Edible parts:SeedSeedpod

Edible uses: Oil, Salt

Other uses:CraftingFire starterFencingLightingMordantMulchoilSoap makingSoil conditionerLumberCoppiceNitrogen fixer

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribuție

17 native · 0 introduced

Distribution 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

Specimen gallery

1 image

Explore further

Companion planting

African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree companions →

Compare with similar plants

vs African Walnut vs Allanblackia parviflora vs Checkerbloom

Growing zone

USDA zone 10-12

XII

About this entry

Last updated: 7 July 2026
Citation: How to cite this entry · Submit a correction

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African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree

Prezentare

What is African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree?

Cultivare

How to grow African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree for the first time

What you'll need

Best time to plant

Soil and container prep

Sowing or transplanting

First two weeks

Ongoing care

Harvest or pruning

Common mistakes