Coula edulis es un árbol del género Coula, nativo del oeste tropical de África de Sierra Leona a Angola. Prefiere regiones tropicales y tolera ligera sombra. Aparece al tope de la fronda; y no tiene requerimientos especiales de suelo.

Es siempreverde alcanzando 25-38 m de altura, con una densa corona que puede dar espesa sombra. Hojas en arreglo alternado, simples, 1-3 dm de largo y 4 cm de ancho, con márgen entero y ápice acuminado. Flores producidas de abril a junio, verde amarillentas, con 4-5 pétalos.

La nuez es una drupa elipsoidal, de agosto a enero, 3-4 cm de largo, con carnosidad acompañando a la pepita, 5-6 mm de espesor, suave en textura, rojo o verde. La cubierta de la pepita es extremadamente dura y dificulta la germinación. Las nueces se encuentran usualmente bajo los árboles.

Nombres locales

• Anamemila, Apopo, Sida en Nigeria
• Bombulu en Zaire
• Dibetou en Gabón y costa de Marfil
• Mpengwa en Ghana

Nombres dialectales

• Akiouhia en Ebrié
• Atsan en Atié
• Bogüe en Agni
• Howôtou en Oubi
• Ouatou en Kroumen
• Séatou o Sratou en Guéré

Usos

Every part of the tree is used in both raw and finished states. Its timber and nuts are used extensively. The bark is used locally to produce rinses or enemas for loin pains or kidney problems. The wood is used to make pilings for bridges and railway ties in addition to charcoal and standard construction. It is also used for furniture and cabinetwork construction, decorative veneers, paneling, fixtures and joinery.

The wood is bronze-coloured, yellow-brown with irregular dark lines which is how the name tigerwood was derived. It is extremely hard, heavy, close-grained, and resists water well, making it a valuable hardwood. Increasing that value is the fact that it can come in large sizes, has an attractive appearance and easy to shape with tools. Woods from tropical Africa are coming under export restrictions to curb excessive logging.

Nueces

The nut is 50% fat of which 87% is oleic acid. The flavour is mild and is said to be between the flavour of hazelnuts and chestnuts. Used in a variety of ways it can be boiled, roasted and fermented before being eaten. The nuts can be used in recipes and mixed with meats. It is also a source of cooking oil and ground flour.

Referencias

• Davidson, Alan. Oxford Companion to Food (1999). Gabon Nut, p. 328.
• Agro Forestry Database: Coula edulis