Vitellaria paradoxa (C.F.Gaertn.) is a multi-purpose tree species distributed in a narrow band across sub-Saharan Africa. The species is integrated into cropping and agroforestry systems as a nutritional and economic resource, which provides a range of environmental services. Integration of the species into land-use systems provides an essential source of livelihoods and income for local populations. The economic potential of the shea butter tree derives from its edible products, which also serve cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. To understand the current state of knowledge about V. paradoxa, this paper summarizes information about the ecology, population structure, and genetic diversity of the species, also considering compositional variation in the pulp and kernels, management practices, and efforts towards its domestication. Despite the great potential of the shea butter tree, there are some gaps in the understanding of the genetics of the species. This review presents up-to-date information related to the species for further domestication and breeding purposes.

This study was carried out in cocoa-based agroforestry systems in Mbam and Inoubou department, Center Region, Cameroon. The study aimed at assessing the plant species diversity, ecological services, and carbon sequestration potentials of diverse trees associated in cocoa agroforestry systems. Twenty-seven sampling plots of 100 × 20 m were established in cocoa agroforestry systems in three villages. Our results registered the occurrence of 238 plant species grouped into 16 families in the sampled area. Sterculiaceae, Burseraceae, and Moraceae were the three dominant families. The species richness and diversity that were assessed using the Shannon index were 0.62, 0.66, and 0.68, respectively, while using the Simpson index, they were 1.421, 1.409, and 0.349, respectively, for Mouko, Rionong, and Nyamsong 3. Carbon stock sink was also estimated at 92.03, 55.18, and 46.83 tC/ha. Our results indicate a high flora diversity in cocoa-based agroforests especially with respect to fruit trees where Tetracarpidium conophorum is introduced. The total amount of CO2/ha per village plots is estimated at 337.46, 202.32, and 171.71 tCO2/ha. Then, the ecological services that should be paid according to 10 US$ per ton of carbon are evaluated at 3374.6, 2023.2, and 1717.1 US$ to the owner of the selected farms.