Pentaclethra

Pentaclethra is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, native to tropical Africa. The genus is characterized by its distinctively shaped fruits, which are pentagonal in cross-section and contain large, oily seeds. These seeds are the most notable feature of the genus, known for their high oil content.

The most well-known species is Pentaclethra macroloba, commonly called the African oil bean or Congo oil bean. This tree produces pods that, when mature, split open explosively, dispersing the seeds. The seeds are edible after processing, typically by boiling and fermentation, which reduces their bitterness and toxicity. The extracted oil is used for cooking, as a lamp oil, and in traditional medicine.

The genus Pentaclethra is part of the subfamily Mimosoideae, which includes many species known for their nitrogen-fixing abilities. While not as extensively cultivated as some other oil-producing plants, the seeds of Pentaclethra species hold economic and cultural significance in the regions where they are found. The woody pods and the striking arrangement of the seeds within are also distinctive features that aid in identification. Research continues into the properties and potential uses of Pentaclethra seeds and their oil.