09 Apr Cola rostrata
Scientific name: Cola rostrata K. Schum.
Family: Malvaceae.
Distribution and Conservation Status: Native to southern Nigeria and West-Central Tropical Africa; a wet tropical forest tree with creamy yellow flowers and a broad crown. Least Concern due to wide distribution and absence of major threats.
Common Names: Monkey kola (English), Orobo or Orobi (Yoruba).
Fruit / Seeds: Fruit is a woody follicle capsule that splits open when mature, contains several brown, oval seeds surrounded by a whitish aril. Seeds resemble other kola seeds but are smaller and less bitter.
Fruiting Time: August–December.
Seed Extraction Method: Removed seeds from the pod.
Types of Seed: Recalcitrant with epigeal germination.
Sowing Method: Direct sowing.
Sowing Medium: Forest topsoil and composted sawdust.
Germination Period: 10-14 days.
Germination Percentage: 90% for fresh seeds (18/20 x 100)
Planting: Partial shade.
Growth and Development: Moderate growth rate; becomes established in 1–2 years, begins flowering and fruiting in 6–10 years under natural conditions, reaching up to 15 m in height.
Notes: Valuable for biodiversity conservation and traditional uses rather than commercial kola production.
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