Cola Nut (Cola acuminata)

Family: Malvaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Cola acuminata or commonly known as Cola Nut is a tropical, medium-sized tree with low branches, grey or dark green bark, leathery dark green leaves, and white or cream flowers native to West Africa. It usually grows about 13-20 m in height. Cola nut has astringent properties. The seed is aromatic and has high caffeine content. It is chewed or ground into powder and made into a drink.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Flavouring, Fruit, Leaves. — Edible portion: Seeds, Herb, Flavouring, Fruit, Leaves.; The aromatic seed is rich in caffeine, containing 1.25 - 2.4% caffeine, and acts as a stimulant.; It can be chewed or ground into a powder and made into a drink in order to give energy, increase alertness, retard hunger and fatigue, aid digestion and increase stamina.; When the whole nuts are chewed, they taste bitter at first but they leave a sweet taste in the mouth later that affects other foods or drinks that are consumed.

Habitat & North American Range

An understorey tree in humid lowland forests. (Zone 10)