Description Dacryodes edulis

dacryodes edulis evergreen tree attaining height of 18–40 m in forest not exceeding 12 m in plantations. has relatively short trunk , deep, dense crown. bark pale gray , rough droplets of resin. leaves compound 5-8 pairs of leaflets. upper surface of leaves glossy. flowers yellow , 5 mm across. arranged in large inflorescence. fruit ellipsoidal drupe varies in length 4 12 cm. skin of fruit dark blue or violet, whereas flesh pale light green. tree flowers @ beginning of rainy season , bears fruits during 2 5 months after flowering.

there 2 variants of dacryodes edulis: d. e. var. edulis , d. e. var. parvicarpa. fruit of d. e. var. edulis larger , tree has stout, ascending branches. d. e. var. parvicarpa has smaller fruit , slender, drooping branches.