Kigelia africana SAUSAGE TREE (5 seeds)

Sausage Tree, is a plant belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. This variety is native to Africa and measures between 8 to 10 meters in height.

It possesses dense and elegant foliage. Its leaves are large, oval, and deeply lobed, featuring a glossy dark green color. They are arranged in an alternate pattern along the branches.

Flowers are spectacular and very characteristic. They form large inflorescences in the shape of clusters, with tubular flowers that are red or brown in color. Their fragrance is pleasant, and their size is impressive, reaching 30 to 50 cm in length.

Fruits are large, elongated capsules resembling sausages or boudin sausages. When they ripen, they turn brown and can reach up to 60 cm in length. Their surface is rough, and inside are numerous seeds surrounded by a fibrous pulp.

Sausage Tree seeds from Kigelia africana are brown, very hard, misshapen, and vary from 5 to 10 millimeters in length.

- Uses:

In medicine, the fruit pulp is used for its therapeutic properties.

The fruit is sometimes consumed for its health benefits for the body.
Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Essential oils are extracted from the plant.

The Maasai tribes of Africa also ferment the fruit pulp to produce a very strong beer.
Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health; please drink in moderation.

- Germination, sowing of seeds:

• The ideal period to sow Sausage Tree is in June when it is sufficiently warm, with temperatures around 25°C.
• Soak the seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water to break dormancy.
• Bury them under 1 cm of previously moistened peat, using small 5 cm square starter pots.
• Water copiously the first time, then place the culture in a spot where the temperature is near 30°C.
• Using a garden greenhouse is ideal for achieving rapid germination.

- Soil type / substrate:

Kigelia africana prefers well-drained, sandy soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates slight acidity or neutrality, but avoid soils that are too heavy or clayey, as they retain too much water.

- Exposure / sunlight:

This tropical tree needs full sun to develop fully. It should be planted in a location exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, which promotes abundant flowering and fruiting.

- Temperatures / hardiness:

Once well-established, it is slightly hardy down to approximately -2°C. Beyond that, it requires protection or must be grown in a pot to be brought indoors away from frost. In hot, dry climates, it grows very quickly at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.

- Watering / water needs:

It requires moderate watering, especially during the growth period, at the time of planting, and in summer. It tolerates drought once established but appreciates slightly moist soil.

- Multiplication:

Multiplication is carried out mainly by seeds or by cuttings. Semi-mature cuttings of 15 cm taken in summer yield good results for propagating the tree quickly.

- Pests / diseases:

Kigelia africana can be subject to attacks from mealybugs or spider mites. It can also develop fungal diseases if the soil is too wet or if ventilation is insufficient.