African mammee apple - Mammea africana

Description and Uses

Mammea africana (African mammee apple) is a tropical tree from West Africa. It is mainly grown for its fruit crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. After 100 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Mammea africana has a lifespan of 300 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 40 meters tall. It is very slow growing and tolerates not less light than shade tolerant. Mammea africana has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by insects.

Mammea africana thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 8°C and optimally between 22 - 33°C. The optimal rainfall is 3500 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1500 - 4000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of all. To salt it is intolerant to wind and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are recalcitrant and can be stored for 3 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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