Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. (opens in new tab)

Heritage Trees of Singapore
CentralAfrican Butter Tree2003

African Butter Tree (HT 2003-97)

This Heritage Tree can be found in Singapore Botanic Gardens, Healing Garden.

A large tree with dense foliage in the background and smaller plants and greenery in the foreground.
View of Heritage Tree from the Healing Garden courtyard (📷: Hazri Boey)

Heritage Tree Information

Reference ID
HT 2003-97

Scientific name: Pentadesma butyracea
Family name: Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)
Girth: 3.6 m @ 1.3 m height
Height: 18 m

Location
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Healing Gardens (View Map) (opens in new tab)

The African Butter Tree of West Africa was introduced from Sierra Leone to the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 1897. The species was planted for experimental purposes in the Economic Garden. This Tree is likely a remnant of the original introduction and has been at this location for more than a century. The fruit, which is 10 to 12 cm long and about 7 cm in diameter, has a thick fleshy rind abounding in yellow greasy juice which the fruit exudes when cut. The seeds are said to be edible before ripening but become very bitter tasting upon maturing. Dried seeds are a source of oil and is estimated to consist of about 40% fat.

This Heritage Tree had a girth of 3.2 m when measured in 2003.

For more information on this species, please refer to NParks' Flora & Fauna Web profile. (opens in new tab)