Sausage tree.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Deciduous tree

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

60 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of room to spread and deep, fertile soil. Watch for yellowing leaves which may indicate a need for more nutrients or better drainage. Keep an eye on the heavy fruit as it matures to ensure it does not damage surrounding structures.

Watering

Water deeply and regularly while the tree is young, then allow it to dry out slightly between soakings once established.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season to support its rapid development.

Pruning

Prune during the dormant season to remove dead wood and maintain a healthy structure.

Repotting

Repot young trees every few years, though this species is best suited for permanent planting in the ground.

Soil

Deep, fertile, well draining soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

10 to 40°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Drought tolerance

Moderate

Lifespan

Long lived perennial, often exceeding 50 years.

Fragrance

Strong

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

The fruit is toxic if ingested raw and can cause blistering of the mouth and throat.

Pets

The fruit and seeds are considered toxic to pets if ingested.

Children

The heavy, falling fruits pose a significant physical hazard to children playing beneath the canopy.

Contact allergens

The sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can trigger mild respiratory reactions in some people.

Edibility

The fruit is fibrous and considered inedible unless processed specifically by traditional methods, as raw consumption can cause severe irritation.

How to identify it

• Large woody sausage shaped fruits
• Dark red bell shaped flowers
• Compound leaves with leathery leaflets
• Spreading canopy with grey bark

Height

6 to 20m

Spread

5 to 15m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

maroon, red, 7 to 12cm

Fruit

gray, brown, Autumn to winter

Problems to watch for

• Scale InsectsCommon
• Leaf ScorchUncommon
• Root RotUncommon
• Sooty MoldUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

Spring

Overwintering

Protect from frost at all costs, as it is highly sensitive to cold temperatures. Move to a heated greenhouse if necessary.

In containers

Not suitable for long term container culture due to its massive size.

Plant smaller, shade tolerant shrubs beneath the canopy to utilize the dappled light.

Grows well with

• Aloe · They share similar drought tolerance and light requirements.

Similar species

• Jacaranda · Both are large tropical trees with showy flowers.

Science

Family

Bignoniaceae

Genus

Kigelia

Order

Lamiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical Africa

Conservation

This species is not currently threatened but is protected in some regions due to its ecological importance.

It thrives in riverine forests and open woodlands where it relies on bats for pollination.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, attracts nocturnal pollinators

Pollinators

bats, bees

Uses

ornamental shade tree, traditional medicine, wood carving

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this in a pot?

It is generally too large for long term container growth.

How fast does it grow?

It is a fast growing tree when provided with ample water and heat.

Where the name comes from

Kigelia is derived from the Mozambican name kigeli-keia, while africana refers to its native continent.

Good to know

• The flowers open at night to attract bats.
• The fruits are often called sausage fruits due to their distinct shape.
• It is a sacred tree in many African cultures.
• The wood is used to make traditional canoes and bowls.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs