Family: Sapindaceae
Author: K.D.Koenig
Bibliography: Ann. Bot. (König & Sims) 2: 571 (1806)
Year: 1806
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Blighia
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & WC. Trop. Africa
Description
The Akee, scientifically known as Blighia sapida, is a fascinating and essential species within the Sapindaceae family. This plant, described in the prestigious “Ann. Bot.” journal by K.D. Koenig in 1806, is native to the warm climates of Western and West-Central tropical Africa.
The Akee tree is renowned not just for its botanical interest but also for its significant cultural and culinary roles in various regions. The tree produces pear-shaped fruit that, when ripe, bursts open to reveal three large, glossy black seeds surrounded by a soft, fleshy, aril. This aril is the edible part of the fruit, highly valued for its creamy texture and nutty flavor. However, it is crucial to note that the aril must be properly prepared and cooked, as the unripe fruit and certain other parts of the plant contain hypoglycin A, a toxin that can cause severe health issues.
In many West African cultures, the Akee tree holds economic and dietary importance. The fruit is not only a staple food product but also plays a role in traditional medicine. The tree itself is appreciated for its hardy wood, used in various applications ranging from construction to carving.
The Akee’s journey from its native Africa to the rest of the world is equally intriguing. It was introduced to the Caribbean in the 18th century, particularly to Jamaica, where it has since become an integral part of the national dish, ackee and saltfish. This transplantation has allowed the Akee to flourish in new environments, adapting well to tropical climates similar to its native habitat.
In the wild, the Akee tree is typically found in forested regions, thriving in well-drained soils and exhibiting significant drought resistance. It’s a resilient species, capable of withstanding various environmental challenges, which makes it an excellent candidate for cultivation in similar climates around the globe.
Overall, Blighia sapida is a versatile and valuable plant, appreciated for its cultural significance, nutritional value, and adaptability. Its careful preparation and culinary potential highlight the intricate relationship between nature and human culinary practices, making the Akee a noteworthy species in both botanical and culinary realms.
Common Names
Deu: akibaum
Eng: akee, akee-apple
Fra: akee-d’afrique, akée, fisanier
Swe: aki
Spa: akí, huevo vegetal, seso vegetal
Por: castanheiro-da-áfrica, castanheiro-de-áfrica, noz-do-japão
En: Akee, Akee-apple
Ar: آقية
Ca: Ackee
Cs: Ackee
Nl: Aki
Fi: Akee
Fr: Akee-d’afrique, Akée, Fisanier
De: Akee, Akibaum
Ht: Aki
He: אקי
Ja: アキー
Kk: Аки
Kv: Аки (быдмӧг)
Lt: Kriaušinė bligija
Ml: അക്കി
Fa: سیب آکی
Pl: Bligia pospolita
Pt: Akee, Castanheiro-da-África, Castanheiro-de-áfrica, Noz-do-japão
Ru: Аки (растение)
Es: Akí, Huevo vegetal, Seso vegetal
Sv: Aki
Vi: Ackee
Synonyms
- Cupania sapida ((K.D.Koenig) Oken)
- Sapindus obovatus (Wight & Arn.)
- Cupania akeesia (Cambess. ex Spach)
- Akea solitaria (Stokes)
- Bonannia nitida (Raf.)
- Akeesia africana (Tussac)
- Cupania edulis (Schumach. & Thonn.)
Distribution
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Mali (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Togo (native)
- Cayman Is. (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Southwest Caribbean (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken May 31, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2022 by Rebecca Latorracaa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2004 by Hajdina Andi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Bio Athanase DEGUEDI (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Awa Diop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 18, 2021 by mari van (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2021 by Martínez Freddy (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 17, 2020 by Aelle J (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 31, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 14, 2020 by Aelle J (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2020 by Schnittler Martin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2020 by Schnittler Martin (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 14, 2020 by Aelle J (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2021 by William Gustave (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 17, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189955)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:782152-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Blighia sapida K.D.Koenig)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth
Sowing: Graft or direct seed
Row spacing: {‘cm’: 700}
