Shea (Vitellaria Paradoxa) Common names: karite, kade, kadanya The Shea tree is unique to sub-Saharan Africa and grows naturally and wildly in dry Savannah belt of West and Central Africa. It is in high demand for the Shea butter extract from the Shea nut. Shea butter has been used for thousands for years in Africa for cooking and for medicinal purposes. More recently, Shea butter has become an important ingredient for the chocolate industry as a substitute for cocoa butter which approximately 90 percent of current demand coming from the confectionary industry. Shea butter is also valued as an ingredient in the production of cosmetics and soaps as a result of its moisturizing, healing and anti-aging properties.