Kola Nut

 Cola Acuminata KOLA NUT (COLA ACUMINATA)The Cradle of Caffeine—A West African Seed of Energy, Community, and Resilience. BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATIONScientific Name: Cola acuminata (P. Beauv.) Schott & Endl.Common Names: Kola Nut, Guru Nut, Obi Abata (Yoruba), ColaFamily: Malvaceae (related to cocoa and cotton) Morphology:An evergreen tree reaching 20–25 meters tall, with glossy, oblong leaves (15–25 cm long). Flowers are pale yellow with purple streaks, clustered on branches. Fruits are star-shaped follicles containing 4–6 white to reddish seeds (nuts) with a bitter, aromatic taste. Habitat & Range:Native to tropical West African rainforests (Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast). Thrives in humid, shaded understories. Cultivated in agroforestry systems and plantations across West Africa and Brazil. Key Adaptations:Caffeine and theobromine deter herbivores. Thick seed coat protects against fungal infections in humid climates. CULTURAL & HISTORICAL USEAncient & Indigenous Trad