Definition

Noun 1. A tropical African tree (scientific name: Irvingia gabonensis): A tree native to West and Central Africa, known for producing edible yellow fruit similar in appearance to mangoes. The tree is economically important for its oil-rich seeds (often called dika nuts or ogbono) and for its durable, termite-resistant timber.

Usage Examples

• The wild mango tree can grow to over 40 meters in height.
• The seeds of the wild mango are used to make a thickening agent for soups and stews.
• Local communities rely on the wild mango for both food and construction material.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical/agricultural contexts: The term is used to distinguish from the common mango tree (). It is also referred to as the "dika tree" or "ogbono tree" based on the products derived from its seeds.
• In economic/commercial contexts: Refers to the tree as a source of non-timber forest products, specifically dika nut for oil and food thickener, and its wood for carpentry.

Variants and Related Words

• Dika tree: Another common name for the wild mango tree, derived from the name of its seed product.
• Ogbono tree: A name used in Nigeria, derived from the Igbo word for the soup made from its seeds.
• African mango: A term sometimes used, particularly in nutritional supplement contexts, referring to extracts from the tree's seeds.
• Irvingia gabonensis: The scientific binomial name for the species.

Synonyms

• Dika tree
• Ogbono tree
• African mango (Note: This can be ambiguous as it is also a common name for in some regions.)

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Wild mango fruit: The specific edible fruit of the tree.
• Wild mango seed / Dika nut: The oil-rich kernel inside the fruit's stone.
• Wild mango wood: The termite-resistant timber from the tree.

Noun

1. African tree with edible yellow fruit resembling mangos; valued for its oil-rich seed and hardy green wood that resists termites