Cola nut

Where does Cola nut grow?

Found in: Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Central America, Colombia, Congo DR, Congo R, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Equatorial-Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, South America, Sri Lanka, Togo, Venezuela, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia

Notes: There are about 125 Cola species. The seeds are rich in caffeine. Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.In Botanical Gardens in Slovenia presumably in a hot house.

Status: The seeds contain caffeine and theobromine.

Growing Cola nut

Cultivation: Plants are usually grown from seeds. Seed only remain viable for about 2 weeks. Cuttings can be used. Plants can also be grown using layering. Plants can be budded. For seeds, the pods are put in a heap and kept damp for 16 days and then the seed coat removed and the seed planted 10 cm deep.

Edible Uses: The seeds are chewed for a stimulating effect. They are also used in foods. They are used to flavour drinks. An extract prepared from the dried kernels are used to flavour drinks. ice cream, candy, baked goods and liqueurs.

Production: Trees will bear in 7-10 years from seed. They can continue bearing for 100 years. In Central African Republic flowers have been recorded in February, May and August and fruit in June.

Nutrition Info

Cola nut Photos

References

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