ABSTRACT
Shea Butter tree latex collected from two localities in Zaria, namely Shika and Bassawa have been investigated. The results obtained from classical non-instrumental analysis of latex compares favourably well with what was obtained from infra-red and n.m.r. spectroscopic analysis. A rough estimate of molecular mass of shea latex was determined by viscosity experiments. Various components of shea latex and their percentage compositions have been determined. Some physical properties of the shea latex for the purpose of characterization have also been investigated. A general account and economic importance of the tree is given.
