Cola nitida aka Bitter Cola

Cola nitida, called kola or cola nut, is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its native range covers western and west-central tropical Africa. It grows beneath taller trees in lowland forests. People grow it for its seeds across tropical Africa. Some also plant it for its looks in warm regions.

Trees often reach 30–39 feet (9–12 metres) tall. PFAF lists a height and spread of 66 feet (20 metres). Useful Tropical Plants records some trees reaching 89 feet (27 metres). Growth is slow. The trunk may bend rather than rise straight. Old trees can form narrow buttresses about 3 feet (1 metre) high. The grey bark has cracks, while small branches stay smooth. The large, simple leaves feel leathery and look dark green. White flowers bear red marks inside their cup-shaped blooms. They grow in short clusters with an uneven shape. The shiny green fruit has five sections that curve back.

This tree needs the heat and damp of the lowland tropics. It grows best with daytime temperatures of 21–30°C. Mature trees prefer full sun, while young trees need some shade. Rich soil that drains well suits it best. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay. Slightly acid soil is preferred, though it tolerates a wider pH range. It can endure three or more dry months. In drier sites, it needs access to groundwater. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 for this species.

The seeds contain caffeine and serve as a stimulant. People chew them or grind them to make drinks. Seed extracts also flavour soft drinks, sweets, ice cream, and baked foods. Chewing the seeds can make food eaten next taste sweet. Traditional medicine uses powdered seeds for fatigue, poor appetite, and diarrhoea. These uses do not establish that such treatments work. Both plant references report no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for every person or pet.

Growers use the trees to shade cocoa crops. The wood serves for furniture, building work, utensils, and carvings. It also provides fuel, but borers can damage it. Seeds lose quality when they dry out or get cold. A day-long soak may help them sprout. Germination can take two to three months. Warm conditions have shortened that time in some trials. Seedlings can move to their growing site after about a year.