Shea Butter Fruit Live Plant (Vitellaria paradoxa)

Small to medium-sized Vitellaria paradoxa deciduous trees typically reach heights of 7 to 15 metres. It belongs to the Sapotaceae family of trees and is sometimes referred to as the shea tree, shi tree, or vitellaria. It is unique to Africa and the only species in the genus Vitellaria. It is a versatile tree that provides lumber, soap, oil, and latex in addition to serving as a source of food and medicine. It is mostly gathered from the wild, although it is also occasionally grown. Shea butter is a type of vegetable fat found in the seed’s kernel, which is frequently referred to mistakenly as a “nut.” Fresh shea butter is white, odourless, and of the highest quality, whereas stale shea butter is black and bitter. All over West Africa, premium shea butter is used as a culinary fat. Margarine and baking grease have both been sold as refined fat. Due to the fact that it makes the dough malleable, it is utilised for pastries and sweets. Due to its similar melting point (32–45°C), large concentrations of di-stearin (30%), and small levels of stearo-palmitine (6.5%), which enable it to combine with cocoa butter without changing its flow qualities.

Common Name: Shea tree, Shi tree,Vitellaria, Shea butter

Botanical Name: Vitellaria paradoxa

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 5 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate