Rain Forest Gardener

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Scientific Name: Cola nitida. Common name: ‘Cola Nut’, Kola, Guru Nut. This is real collector’s item; a rare and unusual West African tree that produces the Cola Nuts which were one of the original ingredients of Coco cola.
From Cola nitida

It is an medium sized evergreen tree that can reach a height of 20 to 25 meters. The flowers are greenish-yellow or white and purple at the margins of the petals. Easy to grow from seeds and makes an excellent container plant that is easily cared for. but there are some advances in its popularity as a conversation piece. It is certainly a “gem” for collectors and carries some medicinal weight at this point.

From Cola nitida

Native to the tropical forests of West Africa, from Liberia to Ghana.

Life form: long-lived forest tree.

Parts used: seeds (termed nuts), chewed as a stimulant.

It is the most consumed of the cola species.

Seeds usually require 85 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. Soaking seeds for 24 hours will increase germination success.

Seedlings growing out of fallen seeds.
From Cola nitida

The Cola nitida usually requires about 7 years to produce seed pods. Trees will live 75- 100 years.

Tropical plant so you need to be at least in Zone 10 or higher as a full time outside plant. Otherwise plant in a container and move inside during the winter.

Very hardy plant but will die in cold temperatures. Best to bring inside when temperatures reach below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.