African Olive Fruit Plant (Canarium schweinfurthii)

A Nutritious Treasure from the African Tropics: The African Olive (Canarium schweinfurthii)

At Veliyath Gardens, we continue to explore rare, beneficial fruit species from around the world to introduce to our exotic fruit plant garden. Among the lesser-known yet profoundly valuable species is the African Olive, botanically known as Canarium schweinfurthii. Widely known as Bush Candle, African Elemi, or Canarium, this stately tree is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, especially thriving in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon.

This unique fruit tree not only bears edible, olive-like fruits but also contributes to the culinary, medicinal, ecological, and cultural wealth of the regions it inhabits. At Veliyath Gardens Plant Nursery, we are proud to offer this remarkable tree to tropical plant lovers and fruit gardeners who seek to add a multi-utility species to their collection.

 Common and Local Names

• Common Name: African Olive, Bush Candle, African Elemi, Canarium

• Botanical Name: Canarium schweinfurthii

• Local Names (varies by region):

  • Nigeria: “Ube osa” or “African pear olive”

  • Cameroon: “Efo” or “Dika”

  • Ghana: “Kanye”

🌳 General Description of the Tree

• A tall evergreen tropical tree, known for its graceful canopy-shaped crown.

• Its straight, cylindrical bole often exceeds 50 meters in height, making it a dominant figure in forest landscapes.

• It flourishes in humid tropical zones and is usually seen growing naturally in lowland rainforests, riverine areas, and even upland regions with fertile soil.

• The bark exudes a sticky, fragrant oleoresin known as elemi, which has commercial and traditional significance.

• The tree is often protected by local communities due to its wide range of benefits.

 Description of the Fruit

• The fruit is olive-like in shape and size, measuring around 30–35 mm long.

• Its outer pulp is greenish, slightly oily, and softens when soaked in warm water or lightly roasted.

• When eaten raw or prepared, the fruit offers a nutty, buttery flavor, with a subtle olive-like aroma.

• The single seed (kernel) inside is rich in natural oil and is edible. Once cooked, the kernel can be made into vegetable butter, a nutritious fat source used in traditional diets.

 Culinary Use and Taste

• The pulp can be consumed raw, roasted, or warmed in water to soften it.

• Its taste resembles a combination of olives and roasted nuts, making it a popular snack among children, herders, and rural households.

• In certain regions, the softened fruit is mashed and mixed with condiments or used in traditional vegetable dishes.

• The oil-rich kernel is sometimes pressed into a soft, spreadable vegetable butter used in cooking, especially in forest communities.

 Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

• The fruit pulp and kernel are a rich source of:

  • Fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids

  • Vitamin E, which supports skin health and acts as a natural antioxidant

  • Iron and calcium, essential for bone strength and blood health

  • Dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and aiding cholesterol control

• The fruit supports digestive function, helps in maintaining cardiovascular health, and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects due to its natural oil content.

• The kernel’s oil is sometimes used in traditional medicine for skin nourishment and wound healing.

🌱 Cultivation and Growth Information

• Adaptability: Thrives in both humid lowland forests and upland tropical regions.

• Soil Requirement: Prefers moist, well-drained soil with rich organic matter.

• Sunlight: Grows well under full sun to partial shade.

• Propagation: Can be propagated via seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be soaked or lightly scarified to encourage germination.

• Blooming/Fruiting Time: Begins to fruit 3 to 5 years after planting.

• Maintenance: Requires moderate care, especially during dry periods. Occasional pruning helps promote better canopy shape and fruit production.

• Watering: Needs regular watering until well established. Mature trees are more drought-resistant.

 How to Preserve the Fruit

• After harvesting, fruits should be:

  • Stored in a cool, dry place to extend freshness.

  • Soaked in warm water before eating to enhance softness and taste.

  • Kernels can be sun-dried and stored for long-term use or pressed to extract vegetable butter.

 Traditional and Cultural Importance

• The oleoresin (elemi) is used in spiritual ceremonies, perfumery, and traditional healing.

• In many African cultures, the fruit is associated with hospitality and rural sustenance.

• The wood is sometimes used for crafts, tools, or firewood, while the resin is burnt as incense.

• Among rural populations, children are often seen collecting and sharing these fruits, forming a part of cultural memory and food security.

💚 Adding African Olive to Your Life

• With its versatile health benefits, distinctive taste, and cultural richness, the African Olive is more than just a fruit—it is a bridge between tradition and tropical nutrition.

• The tree's edible fruit and oil-rich seed provide an excellent plant-based fat alternative for sustainable diets.

• Including the African Olive fruit plant in your home garden or tropical orchard means nurturing a tree that offers flavor, wellness, and ecological balance in return.

🌿 Why Choose from Veliyath Gardens?

At Veliyath Gardens Plant Nursery, we are proud to present the African Olive (Canarium schweinfurthii) as a valuable addition to your tropical plant collection. By planting this tree, you are supporting biodiversity, traditional food culture, and sustainable gardening practices. Whether you’re a gardener, a natural health enthusiast, or someone looking to add something unique to your orchard, the African Olive fruit tree promises beauty, nourishment, and a rich story of cultural heritage.

Add the African Olive to your plant garden today and take a flavorful step toward tradition-inspired tropical living.