Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut) Irvingia gabonensis
Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut) (Irvingia gabonensis) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Irvingiaceae family, native to West and Central African humid forest (Nigeria to Angola). It grows 15–40 m (49–131 ft) tall and 10–15 m (33–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
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Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Irvingiaceae |
| Mature height | 15–40 m (49–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seed kernels (ogbono: ground to thicken soups), fruit flesh (sweet forms) |
| Native to | West and Central African humid forest (Nigeria to Angola) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut)
- How far apart should I plant Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut)?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 m (33–49 ft).
- Does Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut)?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut) flower?
- From about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bush mango (ogbono, dika nut). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Lost Crops of Africa, vol. I Grains (1996), II Vegetables (2006), III Fruits (2008), National Research Council, National Academies Press, Washington DC
- Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide, World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Nairobi
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A big buttressed forest tree, now domesticated by farmers in Cameroon and Nigeria. The mango-like fruit is eaten, but the real prize is the kernel, ground into the slippery, thick ogbono soup.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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