Cola acuminata aka Cola Nut

Cola acuminata is an evergreen tree in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its common names include cola nut and goora nut tree. Its native range runs from Togo to northern Angola. It grows beneath taller trees in humid lowland forests. People grow it for its seeds across tropical Africa. They also plant it as an ornamental in warm regions. The tree has a long link with hospitality in Africa.

Trees reach about 43–66 feet [13–20 metres] tall, though many stay smaller. The crown can spread to 66 feet [20 metres]. Growth proceeds at a moderate pace, with branches starting low. The bark is grey or dark green. Leathery, dark green leaves stay on the tree year-round. The flowers are white or cream, and insects pollinate them. The fruits form follicles that split open when ripe. A white aril surrounds the seeds inside each fruit.

This tree needs heat and humid air for good growth. Sources give a preferred mean annual temperature of 26–35°C. They also report annual rainfall of 1,200–1,800 millimetres. It prefers minimum temperatures above 13°C and cannot withstand frost. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 10–12. In cultivation, that source calls for a site without shade. Deep, rich soil with good drainage suits it best. It grows in sand, loam, or clay, including heavy clay. Mildly acid to neutral soil suits it. Keep the soil moist for growth. Trees can endure dry spells where roots can reach groundwater.

The aromatic seeds contain caffeine and act as a stimulant. People chew them or grind them to make drinks. Their first bitter taste gives way to a sweet aftertaste. Seed extracts flavour soft drinks, ice cream, sweets, and baked goods. Red kernels also provide food colouring. Traditional uses include easing fatigue and treating diarrhoea and dysentery. These reported uses do not establish safe doses or proven benefits. The wood serves for furniture, building work, utensils, and carving. People also burn it as fuel.

The supplied sources disagree about safety. PFAF warns that some parts are poisonous when eaten. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. The edible seed uses therefore do not establish whole-plant safety. Neither source gives a clear account of pet safety. No specific pests or diseases appear in the supplied evidence. Growers raise new trees from seed, mature wood cuttings, or air layers.