DIKANUT

(Irvingia gabonensis)

Ripe fruits

Family:  Irvingeaceae

Other common names: Bobo, Boboru, Wanini, Andok, Meba, Mueba, Oro, Oba.

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Dika nut is a large deciduous tree often found growing near banks.  It is widely distributed in western tropical Africa from Senegal to Angola.  The tree reaches a height of 100 ft.

Developing fruits on tree

             The fruit of the dika is a large edible drupe with thick, fibrous flesh.  The drupaceous fruits are yellow in colour and are therefore also called African mango.  The fruits are also used to make African mango juice.

            The hard wood is used as a local building material in heavy construction. It resists termites.

            The kernels, called dika nut, are edible.  The kernels are rich in fat.  These are roasted like coffee beans and pounded and put into moulds.  These are also used as thickening agent in some foods.

Sale of nuts