Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa) Parkia biglobosa
Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa) (Parkia biglobosa) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Sudanian and Guinean savanna from Senegal to Uganda. It grows 7–20 m (23–66 ft) tall and 10–15 m (33–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
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Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 7–20 m (23–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: yellow pulp around the seeds (raw), seeds (fermented into soumbala / dawadawa seasoning) |
| Native to | Sudanian and Guinean savanna from Senegal to Uganda |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa) 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 Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa)
- How far apart should I plant Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa)?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 m (33–49 ft).
- Does Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa) flower?
- From about January for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa) 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 Néré (African locust bean, dawadawa)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide, World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Nairobi
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- A savanna plant of hot summers and a long dry season; it wants sharp drainage and resents cold, wet winters.
- Kept and protected in farm fields across the West African parkland. Bright red, drumstick-like flower balls hang on long stalks and are pollinated by fruit bats; bunches of long brown pods follow.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis