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What is Kigelia?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Kigelia is a genus with only one species, Kigelia africana, a flowering tree that grows in tropical Africa. It is commonly called sausage tree because of its long, woody fruit. The fruit is poisonous when raw, but is prepared through roasting, drying, or fermentation for use in cuisine and traditional medicine. Kigelia africana is also grown as an ornamental plant, especially in tropical areas of the world, for its interesting flowers and fruit.

This species can reach 66 feet (20 meters) in height. It is evergreen in areas with abundant rainfall year round, but deciduous, losing its leaves seasonally, in areas with a dry season. The grey bark of the sausage tree is smooth when young, but flaky on an older tree. The wood is light brown to yellow and resistant to cracking.

Kigelia africana berries are eaten by giraffes.
Kigelia africana berries are eaten by giraffes.

The tree features waxy, dark green leaves, and bell-shaped, fragrant flowers that range from dark red to reddish orange to purplish green in color. The flowers are velvety on the inside and produce abundant nectar and pollen. The tree is pollinated by birds and bats.

The flowers of Kigelia africana mature into the long, brown berries responsible for its common name of sausage tree. The fruits can weigh as much as 20 pounds (9 kg). Though poisonous to humans, the berries are eaten by mammals and birds, including elephants, giraffes, hippopotami, monkeys, cockatoos, and parrots, who disperse the seeds in their dung. Some animals also eat the leaves.

Some beauty products contain kigelia.
Some beauty products contain kigelia.

Humans have developed many uses for Kigelia africana. In African folk medicine, the berries are used to treat rheumatism, snakebites, syphilis, and ulcers, as well as to ward off evil spirits and tornadoes. The fruit is also used in beauty products and fermented to make an alcoholic beverage. The timber of Kigelia africana is used to make furniture, fruit boxes, and traditional Botswanan canoes called makoros. The seeds can be roasted and eaten, and the roots can be used to make a yellow dye.

Kigelia africana is cultivated well outside its natural range, in places such as Australia, India, Hawaii, and California. It is vulnerable to frost, and requires lots of sunlight and compost. The tree should be watered moderately. It is easy to propagate from seed and grows quickly. The large, fibrous fruit can cause damage when it falls from the tree, and the roots can be invasive, so consideration should be given to the place where a sausage tree is planted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kigelia and where is it commonly found?

Kigelia, commonly known as the sausage tree, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bignoniaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, where it thrives in wet savannah and riverine areas. The tree is renowned for its peculiar fruit, which resembles a sausage in shape and can weigh up to 15 pounds.

What are the traditional uses of Kigelia?

Traditionally, Kigelia has been used in African communities for a variety of purposes. Its fruit, leaves, and bark are utilized in herbal medicines to treat skin conditions, fungal infections, and even as a remedy for snakebites. The tree also holds cultural significance in some communities, where it is often planted for ceremonial purposes.

Can Kigelia fruit be eaten?

The fruit of the Kigelia tree is not commonly consumed due to its bitter taste and sometimes toxic properties. However, some animals, like baboons and elephants, do eat the fruit. In traditional medicine, the fruit is more often used topically rather than ingested, due to its potential health benefits for the skin.

What are the potential skincare benefits of Kigelia?

Kigelia is reputed for its skincare benefits, particularly for its firming and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds such as flavonoids and saponins that may help in tightening skin and reducing fine lines. Some studies suggest it can also aid in the treatment of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Is Kigelia used in modern medicine or cosmetics?

Yes, Kigelia is increasingly being incorporated into modern cosmetics and skin care products due to its potential benefits for skin health. Its extracts are used in creams and serums aimed at improving skin firmness, elasticity, and appearance. However, its medicinal properties are still being researched in the scientific community.

How is Kigelia sustainably harvested?

Sustainable harvesting of Kigelia involves collecting fallen fruit or pruning branches in a manner that does not harm the tree. Communities that rely on Kigelia for traditional medicine or cosmetic purposes often follow ethical harvesting practices to ensure the longevity of the species and the ecosystems where it grows.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

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    • Kigelia africana berries are eaten by giraffes.
      By: David_Steele
      Kigelia africana berries are eaten by giraffes.
    • Some beauty products contain kigelia.
      By: seen
      Some beauty products contain kigelia.