Tree-to-tree variation in fruits of three populations of Trichoscypha acuminata (Engl.) in Cameroon

•Fruit traits have a broad genetic variability and would vary from tree-to-tree.•Fruit mass and pulp thickness were highly correlated and determinant for selection, including fruit diameter as observed within trees.•Nkenglikok locality offered the best trees with respect to superior traits for selection.•Seed germination was affected both by genetic origin and environmental factors like, Climate and soil.