Family: Sapotaceae
Author: C.F.Gaertn.
Bibliography: Suppl. Carp.: 131 (1807)
Year: 1807
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vitellaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Trop. Africa to Uganda
Description
Shea butter, scientifically known as Vitellaria paradoxa, finds its roots in the Sapotaceae family and is noted for its distinctive origin, stretching from Western Tropical Africa to Uganda. The first formal description of Vitellaria paradoxa was documented in “Supplementum Carpologiae” on page 131, by the botanist C.F. Gaertner in 1807.
The Shea tree, thriving in the savannahs of West to East Africa, serves as a cornerstone of the local ecology and economies. Its hardy nature allows it to flourish in tough climatic conditions, making it a staple in the landscapes from which it spans.
The fruit of the Shea tree is of considerable significance. It encapsulates seeds which produce Shea butter, renowned globally for its extensive use in cosmetics, skincare, and culinary applications. The butter is extracted through a labor-intensive process traditionally carried out by women in many African communities, underscoring its cultural and economic importance.
Shea butter possesses rich emollient properties and is lauded for its hydrating and healing benefits. It is utilized in a myriad of products ranging from moisturizers and conditioners to therapeutic lotions. Rich in vitamins A and E, Shea butter also contains essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants, making it a sought-after ingredient for maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Given its widespread applications and esteemed qualities, Shea butter continues to be a vital natural resource. The cultivation and harvesting of Vitellaria paradoxa have profound implications, not only for those who rely on it for their livelihoods but also for the growing number of consumers worldwide who cherish its natural goodness.
Common Names
Deu: schibutterbaum
Fra: arbre à beurre, karité
Eng: bambouk-buttertree, galam-buttertree, karite-nut, shea, shea butter, shea-buttertree, sheatree, shea butter tree
Spa: butirospermo, árbol montequero
Por: carité, cárei
Swe: sheasmörträd
En: Shea butter, Shea Butter Tree, Shea tree, Karite-nut, Shea, Bambouk-buttertree, Galam-buttertree, Shea-buttertree, Sheatree
Ak: Nkuto
Ar: زبدة
Bm: Si
Eu: Karite
Ca: Karité
Cs: Máslovník africký
Nl: Shea tree
Eo: Buterarbo
Fi: Voipuu
Fr: Karité, Arbre a beurre, Karite, Arbre à beurre
De: Karitébaum, Sheabutterbaum, Schibutterbaum
Ja: シアーバターノキ
Lt: Afrikinis sviestmedis
Mk: Маслено дрво
Fa: درخت روغن قلم
Pl: Masłosz Parka
Pt: Carité, Cárei
Ru: Ши
Es: Butirospermo, Árbol montequero
Sv: Sheanötsträd, Sheasmörträd
Synonyms
- Lucuma paradoxa ((C.F.Gaertn.) A.DC.)
- Butyrospermum paradoxum ((C.F.Gaertn.) Hepper)
Distribution
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Zaïre (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Feb 1, 1989 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 1, 1989 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 1, 1989 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 14, 2022 by xusta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Siaka PARÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2022 by josue TASMARE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2020 by bondyr bondyr (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2020 by bondyr bondyr (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2886750)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:790034-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn.)