Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Species:
paradoxa
ID:
333553

Status:
valid

Authors:
C.F.Gaertn.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1807

Citation Micro:
Suppl. Carp. : 131 (1807)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000332885

Common Names

  • Vitellaria paradoxa
  • Paradoxa Vitellaria
  • Paradoxa Vitellaria

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Synonyms

  • Lucuma paradoxa A.DC. [unknown]
  • Bassia parkii G.Don [unknown]
  • Butyrospermum paradoxum (C.F.Gaertn.) Hepper [unknown]
  • Butyrospermum parkii mangifolium Pierre ex A.Chev. [unknown]
  • Butyrospermum parkii poissonii A.Chev. [unknown]

Description

Vitellaria paradoxa (also called African Butter Tree, among many other common names) is a small tree native to Africa. It has glossy, dark green leaves and white flowers. It grows in moist, well-drained soils in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Vitellaria paradoxa is used in traditional medicine for treating digestive problems, skin diseases, and fever. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and as a fertilizer for plants.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Vitellaria paradoxa sub. nilotica (Kotschy) A.N.Henry, Chithra & N.C.Nair
Vitellaria paradoxa sub. paradoxa

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Vitellaria paradoxa has white flowers with four petals and yellow centers. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have thin, light green leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Vitellaria paradoxa is a perennial shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate light frost. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings in spring or early summer.

Where to Find Vitellaria paradoxa

Vitellaria paradoxa is native to tropical Africa, from Senegal east to Sudan and south to Angola and Mozambique. It is also found in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Vitellaria paradoxa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Vitellaria paradoxa?

Vitellaria paradoxa

What is the common name of Vitellaria paradoxa?

Paradoxa Vitellaria

What is the natural habitat of Vitellaria paradoxa?

Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa

Species in the Vitellaria genus

Species in the Sapotaceae family

Afrosersalisia rwandensis, Amorphospermum antilogum, Argania spinosa, Aubregrinia taiensis, Aulandra beccarii, Aulandra cauliflora, Aulandra longifolia, Autranella congolensis, Baillonella toxisperma, Beccariella balansana, Beccariella crebrifolia, Beccariella lasiantha, Beccariella novocaledonica, Beccariella xerocarpa, Beccariella brownlessiana, Boerlagella spectabilis, Breviea sericea, Burckella banikiensis, Burckella erythrophylla, Burckella fijiensis, Burckella hillii, Burckella macropoda, Burckella magusum, Burckella obovata, Burckella parvifolia, Burckella polymera, Burckella poolei, Burckella richii, Burckella sorei, Burckella thurstonii, Capurodendron androyense, Capurodendron ankaranense, Capurodendron antongiliense, Capurodendron apollonioides, Capurodendron bakeri, Capurodendron costatum, Capurodendron delphinense, Capurodendron gracilifolium, Capurodendron greveanum, Capurodendron ludiifolium, Capurodendron madagascariense, Capurodendron mandrarense, Capurodendron microphyllum, Capurodendron nodosum, Capurodendron perrieri, Capurodendron pervillei, Capurodendron pseudoterminalia, Capurodendron rubrocostatum, Capurodendron rufescens, Capurodendron sakalavum,

References