Common cola
Cola natalensis
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A small or medium sized tree. It grows 7-10 m high. The bark is grey. It is smooth and peels in small flakes. The young branches are hairy. The leaves are oval and 6-20 cm long by 1.5-6 cm wide. They are dark green. The leaf tapers to both ends. The leaf stalk is 2,5 cm long. The flowers are in clusters in the axils of leaves. The fruit is made up of 2-4 carpels each 4 cm long by 2.7 cm wide. They are leathery. The surface is rough and there are yellowish hairs.
Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forest.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Coshwood, Southern cola