Kola
Family Sterculiaceae
Cola nitida, kola (C. nitida 1), is an evergreen tree, up to 20 m high, with alternate leaves or in whorls, simple, entire, up to 20 cm long; and male and bisexual flowers, 2.5-4 cm across, white with red markings. The fruit is a nut, containing 4-10 seeds, about 5 cm long, the kola nuts (C. nitida 2). These nuts contain about 2% caffeine and other alkaloids.
Distribution and use
Kola is a native of the forests of West Africa. The seeds of 4 species of Cola, of which Cola nitida is the most important, are used as a stimulating narcotic. The seeds are chewed for about an hour, during which the bitter taste disappears as the result of sugar production by enzymes from the saliva. Also a beverage is made by boiling powdered seeds in water. The seeds were taken to Brazil and Jamaica about 1630 with the slave trade.
The biggest producers are West African countries; trade is concentrated in the Sahel. Chewing kola nuts is highly esteemed in the drier regions of West Africa and also plays a socio-religious function in many African societies. It used to be an ingredient of Coca-Cola.