Hortiforum

General Info – Kola Nut

Native to the rainforests of Tropical West Africa, the Kola Nut is a medium-sized evergreen tree cultivated for its stimulating nuts.
Kola Nuts were a key ingredient in the creation of the Cola flavor and the synonymous ‘Coca-Cola,’ which derived the ‘Cola’ aspect of its name from the Kola Nut. Rich in caffeine, Kola Nuts have traditionally been used by African cultures as a natural stimulant, either chewed on their own or brewed into an invigorating drink.
Kola Nut are highly ornamental and are often cultivated in tropical climates for this purpose. Plants develop into medium to large trees, reaching heights of 10 to 20 metres. They boast ornamental white-yellow flowers, characterized by a captivating inner part of petals in shades ranging from beautiful pink to purple. Fruits are born in large green seed pods that exhibit a distinctive wrinkled and bumpy appearance before eventually splitting in half to release their seeds. With their shapely form and dense canopy of large, upward-facing leaves, they make for an attractive shade tree.
Native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, typically lowland rainforests, Kola Nuts thrive in areas with year-round rainfall and rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Natively developing in an undercanopy, Kola Nut can tolerate shade, especially when young, although production may decrease under such conditions. Like fellow members of the Malvaceae family Durian and Cacao, Kola Nut are distinctly tropical, not tolerating any freezing temperatures and being marginal in subtropical climates.
A unique ornamental specimen, the Kola Nut tree offers both medicinal and edible benefits, making it an excellent addition to any tropical food forest.

Plant Profile/Properties