An Analytical Study of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Plant Which Grows in Southern Chad

Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) is a flagship tree of the Sudanian-Sahelian savannas of Africa, used since the Neolithic for its nutritious fruits and multipurpose butter with food, cosmetic, and medicinal applications. Its natural distribution spans from Senegal to Sudan, including Chad, where it occurs in several provinces and local morphotypes, reflecting high intraspecific diversity. The tree has a long lifespan and slow reproductive cycles, making populations vulnerable to anthropogenic and ecological pressures. The seeds, rich in lipids (oleic and linoleic acids) and bioactive compounds (triterpenes, sterols, phenols), are exploited for shea butter and soap production, as well as traditional medicinal uses. Leaves, bark, and roots also exhibit recognized medicinal properties. Morphology and anatomy of leaves, stems, and fruits reveal adaptations to drought and climatic variability. Local agroforestry practices, including conservation in village parklands and vegetative or sexual propagation, influence regeneration and population structure. Nevertheless, overexploitation, bushfires, diseases, and animal predation threaten juvenile survival and natural regeneration. Listed under CITES, shea requires integrated conservation measures combining local management, silviculture, regeneration, and domestication. Genetic studies reveal introgressions and hybridizations among populations, emphasizing the need for research on genetic diversity and phylogeography to support sustainable management and socio-economic valorization. In conclusion, Vitellaria paradoxa is an ecological, economic, and cultural pillar of African savannas, whose conservation depends on scientific research, sustainable agroforestry practices, and active community engagement.