Today I planted an Atom or Balsam tree (Dacryodes macrophylla) which is from the tropical rainforest of Central Africa. This tree forms buttresses and can grow up to 80 to 120 feet tall. Atom produces edible plum-like fruits that are dark red and juicy. There is really not much info on this fruit, but I think I read somewhere that it tastes like raspberry jam. The fruit is still relatively unknown outside of Cameroon, Equitorial Guinea and Gabon and is considered a luxury to buy and enjoy. The Atom requires a male and a female tree to produce fruits. My odds are good, since I have two more to go in the ground thanks to Joe who shared these ultra rare African trees.
Originally posted on 2021-06-29, part of the daily planting journal behind Ha’a Chocolate’s food forest on Hawai’i Island.