The "Butter tree"

Shea (Butyrospermum parkii) can only be found in its natural state in Africa, in the Sudan and Sahel, north of the Equator. This wild tree, which usually grows in wooded savannah zone, can measure up to 20 metres tall and reaches its maximum production capacity after 35 years. Each tree produces an average of 15 to 20 kg of fruit (i.e. 3 to 4 kg of kernels) per year.

With its forests and agri-forestry parks, Burkina Faso has very high production potential, in particular with strong density in the southwest part of the country.