Detarium Senegalense - Location and Growing Conditions

Location and Growing Conditions

Trees of the Detarium genus have remained undomesticated, and their growth currently remains confined to countries throughout West Africa. The fruits produced by the D. senegalense tree were first described as “detar” in 1789, by De Jussieu in Senegal, Africa. Being discovered in Senegal, these trees still remain an important contributor to the country’s local food system and economy. Detarium senegalense trees are typically found growing in gallery forests, savannas, or along river banks.

D. senegalense trees are propagated by stones which are often distributed by elephants and chimpanzees who consume the fruits. Germination occurs 6–10 weeks after propagation, though the germination rate is typically low. Although tallow trees are leguminous, they do not fix significant amounts of nitrogen. The D. senegalense tree has two phases of fructification. Trees generally lose their leaves at the beginning of March and experience a renewal of leaves a few weeks later. After young leaves have developed, flowering occurs. As the fruits ripen, they develop a sweeter flavour and increased vitamin C content. Fruits reach full maturation from August–November depending on the climate of the region they are growing in. Trees are drought tolerant and have the ability to grow on infertile sites as they are relatively insensitive to soil, altitude, heat, and humidity. Their wood has good resistance to termites, pinhole borers, and marine bores; however, the wood is susceptible to Lyctus attack.