Parinari curatellifolia (Bambara: Tutu; Yoruba: Ìdòfún) is an evergreen tropical tree of Africa, found in various types of deciduous woodland most frequently in poorly drained areas and inland at moderate altitudes.
It is also known as mmupudu (by Tswana-speaking South Africans), mupundu or mobola plum after the fruit, which is considered tasty and causes the tree to be spared when woodland is cleared for cultivation.
It can be locally common, and at moderately high altitudes in south-central Africa it is sometimes the dominant tree in a type of closed woodland where the soil is very poorly drained and may be sodden for several months of the year.
[3] The wood is very hard and heavy, for it contains silica crystals;[2] it is therefore difficult to work, but unfortunately is not durable and so is little used, although it makes good charcoal.
However, the main value of the tree is the delicious fruit, which appears early in the dry season and can be harvested over three or more months.