Kola Nut

Common Names: Kola Nut, Cola Nut, Bissy Nut

The Kola Nut is the famous tree that once gave the worlds most popular soft drink its name. Native to West Africa, this evergreen tree is a real talking point for any garden. It has glossy leaves and beautiful star-shaped fruit that hold the caffeine-rich nuts. While it loves the tropics, it can be grown in Perth if you give it a warm, sheltered spot away from the wind.

Features:

Ideal prune height range: 4-6m (can grow much taller if left alone)

pH growing conditions: 5.5 to 6.5

Shade or full sun: Prefers part shade when young, full sun when older

Minimum pot year 5: 75L pot

Time to fruit age: 5-7 years from seed

Temperature:

Ideal 18-32c

Stressed above 38 and below 12c,

Young trees may die if it dips to 0c.

Kola Nut trees love a rich, well-draining soil and plenty of organic matter. They are quite tropical, so they need a bit of extra care during our cold, wet winters. Growing them in a large pot is a smart move in Perth so you can move them to a warmer spot if the temperature drops. They produce lovely yellow or white flowers with red markings before the seed pods appear.

Interesting Notes:

The nuts have been used for centuries as a natural stimulant because they are packed with caffeine and theobromine. In many cultures, sharing a kola nut is a sign of friendship and respect. The trees are also highly ornamental with a dense canopy that makes for a great shade tree once established.

If you want a piece of history in your backyard and a tree that looks like a rainforest gem, the Kola Nut is the one for you.

Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.

Keywords: Kola Nut tree, Cola tree, rare fruit tree Perth, exotic nut tree, caffeine plant