Cola urceolata
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It grows 2-3 m high. The leaves are oval and taper to both ends. They are wavy. The flowers are 5 mm long and have no petals. The fruit are 10 cm long. There are 3-5 seeds in each bright red pod. The young pods are green. The edible aril around the seeds is eaten.
Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests including seasonally flooded forests and in disturbed sites.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo DR, Congo R, Gabon
How it is used for food
The pulp around the fruit is eaten raw. The leaves are cooked and eaten as a leafy vegetable.
Edible parts
Aril, fruit, seeds, nuts
How it is grown
In Central African Republic flowers have been recorded from January to March and fruit from June to September.
Its other names
Local names
Balembe, Limbabaliyekondo, Losakanu, Nzanzainza, Nzanzalinza, Ongando oitchi, Sakanu, Tongombo