African Butter Tree (HT 2003 97)

Reference ID
HT 2003-97

Scientific name: Pentadesma butyracea
Family name: Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)
Girth: 3.17 m @ 1.3 m height
Height: 19.4 m

Location
Singapore Botanic Gardens,
Healing Gardens

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 here.

Gallery

View of Heritage Tree from the Healing Garden courtyard (📷: Hazri Boey)

View of Heritage Tree from the base of the staircase (📷: Hazri Boey)