Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which is indigenous to West and Central Africa. The shea tree usually takes 15-20 years after planting before it starts producing nuts. Mostly women in rural communities collect the nuts after they fall from the trees during the harvest season from September to November. https://www.zupyak.com/p/4454835/t/shea-butter-naturesluxurious-moisturizer