The ‘Key descriptors for Irvingia spp. (bush mango)’ consists of an initial minimum set of characterization and evaluation descriptors for this species. This strategic set aims at facilitating access to and utilization of these African indigenous fruit trees. It does not exclude the addition of other descriptors later.

Irvingia species, commonly known as bush mango, as well as in their local names namely, dikka, dikanut, dikabread tree, odika, ogbono, or iba-tree, are multipurpose fruit trees growing in Africa and Asia. They belong to the family Irvingiaceae.

The genus is composed of seven species, native to different regions. Irvingia wombolu and Irvingia grandifolia are native to Central Africa. Irvingia gabonensis, Irvingia robur, Irvingia smithii and Irvingia tenuinucleata are native to West and Central Africa, and Irvingia malayana is native to South-East Asia.

The Irvingia trees commonly grow in rainforests and humid zones in dry ground, except for Irvingia smithii, which always grows beside water on riverbanks in savannah regions, seasonally flooded and riverine forest, and of Irvingia malayana, which occurs also in deciduous dipterocarp forest and dry evergreen forest.

Irvingia trees have multiple uses. They bear edible mango-like fruits and are valued for their fat- and protein-rich nuts, in addition to Vitamin C, β-carotene and fiber contents. The bark and kernel have medicinal uses. Bush mango products are increasingly used in America and Europe as a weight-loss aid and as health supplement. Bush mungo oil is used in the cosmetics industry.

Irvingia trees have a great importance for livelihoods and income as bush mango provides income for all actors along the market chain from harvesters to consumers. Therefore, supporting studies of genetic and morphological diversity for conservation of genetic resources and domestication of Irvingia spp. are key priorities.