Cola scheffleri
K. Schum.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCola scheffleri is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is found only in Tanzania.
Description
An evergreen tree. It grows 8-20 m tall. The trunk can be 60 cm across. The crown is pyramid shape. The bark has small cracks. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaf stalk is 4-10 cm long. The leaves are 8-23 cm long by 4-13 cm wide. They are oblong and heart shaped at the base. They taper to the tip. The flowers are as separate sexes in dense clusters on old wood. The soft pink sepals form softly hairy cups. These are 2 cm across. The fruit are as 2 orange brown leathery capsules. These are 6 cm long. There are a few large seeds.
Edible Uses
The sweet pulp of the fruit is eaten raw. The seeds, which contain caffeine, are chewed as a stimulant.
Traditional Uses
The pulp of the fruit is sweet and is eaten raw. The seeds contain caffeine and are chewed as a stimulant.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in lowland forests. It is often along rivers and in humus rich soils.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Tanzania,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Other Uses
This species is a locally common pioneer of medium sized semi-deciduous forest gaps.
Notes
Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.
Also Known As
Kavi, Mlungu, Mombwe, Msamaka, Msasami
References (3)
- Lovett, J. C. et al, Field Guide to the Moist Forest Trees of Tanzania. p 170
- Ruffo, C. K., Birnie, A. & Tengnas, B., 2002, Edible Wild Plants of Tanzania. RELMA p 214
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
