Dacryodes edulis African pear   Nomenclature        Family: Burseraceae        Genus: Dacryodes        Eaten species: D. edulis (G. Don) H.J. Lam           Common names: African pear tree, African plum tree,  bush butter tree, butter fruit tree, (safou in Central Africa)   Morphology: Dioecious, small to medium size tree 20-25 m tall, stem diameter up to 90 cm Distribution: Rain forest areas of West/Central Africa extending to northwestern part of Southern Africa Life cycle: A perennial tree, fruits  from June -November Intra-generic diversity: Up to 40 species identified all across the tropics, 20 species in Africa, 10 found  in Gabon. Eaten part: Oil-rich fruit; eaten after immersing in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or heated over a hot plate or roasted in embers. Pulp may be dried in the sun after boiling and preserved  this way for future use. Health related uses: Leaves: concoction ingested to treat digestive tract disorders, toothache, earache, etc. Stem bark: extracts used to cure dysentery, anemia, leprosy, wounds, skin problems., etc.  Fruit: oil is suitable for cosmetics and food. Kernel: Said to be useful in dissolving kidney stones. Known biochemical constituents: Pulp: 32-44% oil; 14-26% protein; 32-38 % carbohydrates, fiber and other matter;  4-10% ash. Oil is high in oleic acid, pamitic acid, and linoleic acid. Seed: 10-15% oil. Fruit has 1.5% essential oil esp. myrcene, alpha pinene, alpha terpineol and germacrene-D Domestication status: Cultivation is being promoted in the suitable ecologies at the small farmer level. Large scale cultivation is not common, most harvest is from home compounds and small farms. Economic potential: Fruit is sold locally and probably traded across country borders in West/Central Africa. It is currently not listed as a major contributor to international trade. In the suitable ecologies, trees are established quite readily and fruiting starts from the third or fourth year of establishment  and continues for several years. Yield data are scarce but the volume sold locally in Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon suggests high productivity which could be exploited for a larger international market.   Author: Albert Ayeni, Ph.D. Associate Director, GIBEX-Africa Rutgers’ School of Environmental & Biological Sciences New Brunswick, NJ (ayeni@aesop.rutgers.edu)