Closely related to Cola nitida[].

Common Name: Cola Nut

General Information

Cola acuminata is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall, though it is usually smaller[].
The seed has long been used traditionally by native peoples as a stimulant, chewed to alleviate fatigue, hunger and thirst, especially when on long hunting trips[]. The tree is now widely cultivated, especially in Africa, for its seed which is used as a stimulating drink[]. The tree is seen in Africa as a symbol of hospitality[]. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical areas[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern, western and central tropical Africa.

Habitat

An understorey tree in humid lowland forests[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cola needs a hot humid climate, with a mean annual temperature in the range 26 - 35°c, and a mean annual rainfall of 1,200 - 1,800mm[]. However, it can withstand a dry season on sites with a high ground water level and it may be cultivated in drier areas where ground water is available[]. Though it is a lowland forest tree it has also been found at altitudes over 300 metres on deep rich soils under heavy and evenly distributed rainfall[]. Prefers a minimum temperature no lower than 13°c[].
Prefers a deep, rich, well-drained soil[, ], although it may also be found in marshy areas[]. Does well in both light and heavy soils[]. Intolerant of soils with a high pH[]. Cola grows naturally in the shade, but it develops a better spreading crown which yields more fruits when grown in open places[].
Trees start producing at around the age of 12 - 15 years and can produce 10 - 16 kilos of seed annually for more than 80 years[]. Trees commence flowering and fruiting when they are small[].
Yields of 300 nuts per mature tree are considered good[].
Plants are often used as shade trees for cocoa (Theobroma cacao) plantations[].
Muslims consider the cola nut as sacred and brought by the prophet Mohammed. They use the nut for ceremonial and social occasions[].

Edible Uses

The aromatic seed is rich in caffeine, containing 1.25 - 2.4% caffeine, and acts as a stimulant[, ]. It can be chewed or ground into a powder and made into a drink in order to give energy, increase alertness, retard hunger and fatigue, aid digestion and increase stamina[].
When the whole nuts are chewed, they taste bitter at first but they leave a sweet taste in the mouth later that affects other foods or drinks that are consumed[]. Thus chewing cola nuts before drinking water helps to render the water sweeter[].
The bitter tasting seeds are much appreciated by Muslims in the drier region of West Africa, especially during the month of Ramadan[].
The nuts are used for non-alcoholic soft drinks like Coca-Cola[].

An extract, prepared from the dried kernels, is used to flavour carbonated drinks, ice cream, candy, baked goods etc[].

The kernels can be red, white or pink[]. The red ones can be used as a natural food colorant[].

Medicinal

Cola nuts contain up to 2.5% caffeine, plus theobromine, tannins, phlobaphene and an anthocyanin[]. They stimulate the nervous system when chewed and are also considered to be a digestive tonic, diuretic, astringent and antidepressant[, , ]. They counteract overstrain and depression thus improving the physical and mental state. The principle action is that of caffeine. Other active principles include theobromine and kolatine[].
Because of its astringent properties, cola is used as a non-addictive stimulant in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[, ], and also to prevent vomiting in cases of high fever[]. It has also been used in the treatment of headaches and migraine[].
It has been used in combination with coca leaf (Erythroxylum coca) to produce a stimulant drug that has been used as 'Forced March' tablets by explorers and military expeditions[].
The crushed nuts are boiled together with the leaves of Morinda lucida and the liquid taken internally to cure piles[].
The nuts ground to a fine paste together with the leaves of Scoparia dulce, are dissolved in a little water and a few drops are administered orally to babies for headache[].
The seeds are harvested when fully ripe and dried in the sun[].

An infusion of the bark mixed with ginger and a little pepper is taken internally to cure stomach ulcers[].

Other Uses

The seed is reputed to act as a water purifier[].

The sapwood is pinkish-white and the heartwood dull yellow. It is suitable for furniture, house and boat building, coach-work, plates, domestic utensils, gun stocks, joinery and carvings[].
The wood is a good source of fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - sow individually in containers[]. The seedlings are sometimes raised in pots or in polythene bags before planting out[].
Ripe fruits harvested before the follicles split open, the seeds or nuts are extracted from the follicles and the white aril removed after 5 days of fermentation. Nuts for planting are the mature ones that have undergone after-ripening[].
Cuttings of mature wood[].
Aerial layering.

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