Shea tree

Scientific name: Butyrospermum parkii

Common name: Shea tree

Part of the Sapotaceae family. Native species from Africa, with a sturdy trunk that can reach one meter in diameter. The bark is very thick and creates effective insulation from hot savanna climates. The leaves, which grow in clumps, are red when young and green when mature.

It grows wild in the savanna, on riverbanks and in the heart of the equatorial forest. It grows fragrant flowers and its fleshy, plum-like fruit encloses within it a woody kernel that yields the precious butter. Indeed, from this nut, man has learned over the centuries to extract this buttery-looking lipid that possesses extraordinary regenerative properties.

From its seeds, wrongly called shea nuts, shea butter is made. It can be slightly yellow or green in color, with a pleasant smell and sweet flavor. It is used in many cosmetic products or as a dressing.