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Originally, the kola nut and its many subspecies are found in almost all countries of West and Central Africa, where the tropical conditions favorable to it prevail. Cola nitida (the economically most important subspecies) is native to Ghana, Sierra Leone,Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Liberia. Today, kola is also found on the Asian and American continents and has been cultivated in Angola, Brazil, Chad, Congo, Dem. Rep. Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, USA, and Zimbabwe.
The GBIF provides a comprehensive, interactive database with a world map (see "Read more") covering all ~142 kola species. The diversity in growth patterns, colors, and forms (showcased in their gallery) is fascinating, though not the focus of this website.
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The kola tree (Cola nitida) is an impressive evergreen tree native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa. Reaching heights of up to 25 meters with a sprawling growth habit, it shapes the landscape. Its cracked bark and dense, leathery leaves give it a robust appearance. The tree thrives particularly well in deep, nutrient-rich soils and requires consistent rainfall. It is adaptable and grows in both partial shade and full sun. The kola tree is not only ecologically valuable but also economically significant, as its seeds, the kola nuts, are rich in caffeine and traditionally used as a stimulant.
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Ants protect the fruits from pests by spinning webs around them. Nevertheless, the kola nut has enemies such as the kola beetle, moth larvae, and a type of mistletoe.
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The main harvesting season is just before the rain season, but harvesting can be done year-round. The fruits are cut from the tree using long poles or simply collected from the ground. After being hacked open, the seeds are soaked to remove the white skin, revealing their vibrant colors ranging from red to pink to white. The kola nuts are then dried in the shade and can be stored for months. Further drying is only necessary for export.
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The kola nut is a natural powerhouse containing up to 3.5% caffeine and 1% theobromine, which act gently and have a long-lasting effect. It contains valuable ingredients such as catechin and epicatechin, which have antioxidant properties, as well as tannins and proteins. Ideal for an active daily life, it supports concentration, improves mood, and promotes communication. Perfect for fasting and fitness, it also aids in weight control. However, caution is advised for those with caffeine allergies.
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The kola nut has a tart, spicy flavour with a bitter note due to caffeine and theobromine, similar to unroasted cocoa. The aroma is typical of kola. Good quality is recognized by a fruity note, while poor quality has a musty smell. Fresh kola nuts are crisp and aromatic, similar to chestnuts or acorns, and are popular among Africans and connoisseurs. Bitter kola is significantly more bitter and is often used as an aphrodisiac, but it differs visually and in scent from the classic kola nut.
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Domain: Eukaryota (Organisms with a cell nucleus)
Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
Division: Angiospermae (Flowering plants)
Class: Eudicotyledoneae (Dicotyledonous plants)
Order: Malvales (Mallow-like)
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
Subfamily: Sterculioideae (Sterculia-like)
Genus: Cola Species: Cola nitida, Cola acuminata, Cola verticillata, Cola gigantea, Cola ballayi, etc.
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