Blighia sapida

Blighia sapida, also known as the ackee, is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to tropical West Africa. The scientific name of the tree is a tribute to Captain William Bligh, who introduced the fruit to the West Indies in the 18th century.

Description

The Blighia sapida tree is an evergreen that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are pinnate, with 6 to 8 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are unisexual and fragrant, with five white to greenish-white petals. The fruit is a capsule that splits open when ripe to reveal three large, shiny black seeds, each surrounded by soft, creamy or yellowish aril.

Cultivation and uses

Blighia sapida is widely cultivated for its fruit in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, where it is a major component of the national dish, ackee and saltfish. The aril is the only part of the fruit that is edible, as the seeds and the rind contain toxic compounds that can cause hypoglycemia if ingested.

The wood of the Blighia sapida tree is also used in some parts of Africa for making drums and yokes for cattle. The bark has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including malaria, yellow fever, and stomach problems.

Toxicity

The unripe fruit and other parts of the Blighia sapida tree contain a toxin called hypoglycin A, which can cause severe vomiting, hypoglycemia, and even death if ingested. The ripe arils are safe to eat, but they must be properly prepared to remove any residual toxins.

Cultural significance

In Jamaica, the Blighia sapida tree and its fruit have a significant cultural importance. The fruit is a key ingredient in the national dish, and the tree is often planted in home gardens and around villages for its ornamental value and shade.