Kola Butter Tree Plant Care

Kola Butter Tree (Pentadesma butyracea) belongs to the Clusiaceae family within the Pentadesma genus. Kola Butter Tree is native to the forests of tropical Africa from Sierra Leone to Cameroon. Kola Butter Tree is also known as Sierra Leone Butter Tree, African Nutmeg.

Kola Butter Tree displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Kola Butter Tree produces small, white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kola Butter Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Kola Butter Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pentadesma butyracea tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Kola Butter Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Kola Butter Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kola Butter Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kola Butter Tree is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Kola Butter Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Kola Butter Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Kola Butter Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kola Butter Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Kola Butter Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Kola Butter Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Kola Butter Tree is native to the forests of tropical Africa from Sierra Leone to Cameroon. In cooler regions, grow Kola Butter Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.