Kigelia africana (Sausage Tree) - 100 Seeds

Kigelia africana, also known as the sausage tree due to its distinctively lengthy fruit, thrives throughout tropical Africa, where it is highly valued for a variety of traditional uses. Maturing in four to six years, the tree can reach heights of 15 to 18 m (50 to 60 ft) and is a popular street tree in South Africa, owing to its dense, shade-providing canopy and glossy foliage.

The tree's burgundy, bell-shaped flowers emit a slightly pungent odor, but the woody fruits that follow are the defining feature of Kigelia africana. Weighing up to 14 kg (30 lb) and measuring up to 0.6 m (2 ft) in length with a 10 cm (4 in) diameter, the grey-brown, sausage-shaped fruits are poisonous while unripe, but the pulp becomes edible after being baked and is often utilized in the fermentation process of traditional African beer. Roasted seeds are also consumed, as are the dried, nutritious and mineral-rich leaves.

Kigelia africana is extensively used in indigenous traditional medicine, with applications for treating stomach ailments, rheumatism, wounds, respiratory problems, and skin care. The trunks of the tree are even hollowed out and used to create dugout canoes, locally known as makoros, in Botswana.

Thriving in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, Kigelia africana also exhibits some drought tolerance once established. This important medicinal and ornamental tree in tropical Africa is suitable for outdoor planting in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11, and viable seeds are available, with a minimum tested germination rate of 70%. These seeds were collected in 2023, and the germination instructions are included.

The sausage tree's diverse uses, from traditional medicine to boat construction, highlight its significance in the cultures and ecosystems of tropical Africa. Its adaptability to various soil and light conditions, combined with its ornamental value, make Kigelia africana a valuable addition to suitable landscapes. The availability of viable seeds provides an opportunity for those in compatible climate zones to cultivate this unique and remarkable tree.

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