Bush mango

Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis) is a species of African trees in the family Irvingiaceae, native to the tropical rainforests of Central Africa and West Africa. It is also known as the wild mango, African mango, or ogbono.

Description

The Bush Mango is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. The tree produces edible mango-like fruits, and are especially valued for their fat- and protein-rich nuts. The fruits are green when ripe and about the size of a kiwi. The flesh is soft, juicy, and has a sweet aromatic flavor, while the skin is bitter. The seeds or nuts, which are enclosed by the flesh, are commonly used in cooking for their thickening properties.

Cultivation and Uses

The Bush Mango is primarily cultivated for its fruit and seeds. The fruit is commonly consumed fresh, or processed into jelly, jam, juice and sometimes even wine. The seeds, also known as dika nuts, are used in the preparation of a kind of soup called ogbono soup, a popular dish in several West African countries. The seeds are also ground into a cake called dika bread.

In addition to its culinary uses, the Bush Mango also has medicinal properties. The bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, yellow fever, and wounds. Recent studies have also suggested that extracts from the seeds may help reduce body weight and improve metabolic parameters in overweight individuals.

Conservation Status

The Bush Mango is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many tropical rainforest species, it is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. Efforts are being made to promote sustainable cultivation of the tree, both to preserve its populations and to provide income for local communities.

See Also

• List of African dishes
• Tropical agriculture
• Medicinal plants