pentaclethra macrophylla, Oil beans, 200g/$8, Shipping/$10, phyto certificate$12

Pentaclethra macrophylla, commonly known as the African oil bean tree, is a versatile and culturally significant species native to West and Central Africa, including Ghana. It holds substantial value in nutrition, traditional medicine, agroforestry, and various industries.
🌳 Botanical Overview
•Scientific Name: Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth.
•Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
•Local Names: Ugba or Ukpaka (Igbo), Apara (Yoruba), Ukana (Efik), Mubala (French-speaking regions)
•Habitat: Thrives in humid lowland forests across West and Central Africa, from Senegal to Angola .   
🍽️ Culinary and Nutritional Uses
•Fermented Seeds: The seeds are fermented to produce ugba, a traditional delicacy in southeastern Nigeria, often used in dishes like abacha (African salad) and nkwobi.
•Nutritional Profile: Rich in proteins (36–42%), lipids (43–47%), and essential amino acids, particularly glutamic acid, making it a valuable protein source .
•Edible Oil: Oil extracted from the seeds, known as owala butter, is utilized in cooking and for making candles, lubricants, and ointments .   
🌿 Medicinal Applications
Various parts of the African oil bean tree are employed in traditional medicine: 
•Antimicrobial and Antibacterial: Saponins and alkaloids present in the seeds exhibit properties effective against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae .
•Wound Healing: Bark decoctions are applied topically to treat sores and wounds .
•Digestive Health: Leaf extracts are used to manage diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues .
•Other Uses: Traditional remedies also utilize parts of the tree for treating ailments like diabetes, fever, cough, and as an analgesic .   
🌱 Agroforestry and Environmental Benefits
•Soil Fertility: As a leguminous tree, it contributes to soil nitrogen fixation, enhancing soil fertility.
•Mulching: The tree sheds leaves during the dry season, which farmers use as mulch to enrich the soil .
•Fuelwood: Dry fruit pods and wood serve as sources of firewood and charcoal.  
🛠️ Industrial and Commercial Uses
•Timber: The wood, known for its hardness and durability, is used in construction and for making tools.
•Crafts: Seed shells are crafted into beads, traditional costumes, and accessories.
•Animal Feed: Processed seeds are incorporated into animal feed due to their high protein content . 
The African oil bean tree stands out as a multipurpose species with significant nutritional, medicinal, and economic potential. Its integration into agroforestry systems and traditional practices underscores its importance in sustainable development and cultural heritage.