Aningeria altissima

Meet Aningeria altissima, One of Kenya’s Tall Indigenous Forest Trees!

Have you ever come across a tree that can grow to around 50 metres tall? Meet Aningeria altissima, an impressive indigenous African tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family.

In Kenya, it has been recorded in Kakamega Forest and the wider North Nyanza region. Around Kakamega, it is known locally as Mukangu.

Here are some interesting facts about this tree.

1. It Can Grow Extremely Tall

Under suitable forest conditions, Aningeria altissima can reach heights of approximately 50 metres, making it an impressive component of tropical forests.

2. It Produces Distinctive Fruits

Its mature fruits are reddish and rounded to oval-shaped, measuring about 2 cm across.

3. It Has Valuable Timber

The tree produces pale pinkish heartwood valued for furniture making, veneer, joinery and other woodworking applications. Its timber is also traded under the name Aniégré.

4. It Has Another Scientific Name

You may encounter this species under the synonym Pouteria altissima. This is useful to know when consulting older botanical literature or historical plant records.

5. It Is Part of Kenya’s Forest Heritage

Large indigenous forest trees provide habitat, contribute to forest structure and form part of our natural heritage. Understanding species such as Aningeria altissima is important for documenting and conserving Kenya’s forest biodiversity.

As valuable as its timber may be, sustainable management is essential to ensure that these trees remain part of our forests for future generations.

Have you seen Aningeria altissima in Kakamega Forest or elsewhere in Kenya? Do you know any other local names for this magnificent tree?