Water
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Reduce watering in cooler months but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Also known as Bush Candle Tree · Canarium · Schweinfurth's Olive
Canarium schweinfurthii is a large tropical tree native to Africa, known for its aromatic resin, timber, and edible fruit.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protect young trees from intense direct sunlight.
100% intensity
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Reduce watering in cooler months but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
100% intensity
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil is ideal. Tolerates a range of soil types if drainage is adequate.
50% intensity
Requires warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost. Ideal growing range is between 20-30 °C.
100% intensity
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) every 4-6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing.
100% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The fruit is edible, and no significant toxicity is reported for other parts of the plant.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Reduce watering in cooler months but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Prune to shape the tree, remove dead or damaged branches, and improve air circulation. Light pruning can be done anytime, while heavier pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Can be propagated from seeds, which require stratification, or through cuttings. Seed germination can be slow and erratic. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature wood.
As a large tree, repotting is generally not applicable for mature specimens. Young plants in containers should be repotted into larger pots every 1-2 years as they outgrow their current container.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of African Elemi (Canarium schweinfurthii)
Where African Elemi (Canarium schweinfurthii) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Genus | Canarium |
| Species | Canarium schweinfurthii |
Similar in genus Canarium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
