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| Cola acuminata | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Cola |
| Species: | C. acuminata
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| Binomial name | |
| Cola acuminata | |
| Synonyms | |
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Sterculia acuminata | |
Cola acuminata is a species in the genus Cola, of the family Malvaceae, native to tropical Africa. It is generally known for its fruit, the kola nut, chewed as a source of caffeine in West Africa and used to impart the cola flavour in manufactured beverages such as Coca-Cola.[1][2]
The kola tree mainly inhabits lowlands, and is medium-sized with low branches, grey or dark green bark, dark green leaves, and white flowers pollinated by insects.[1] It usually grows to a height of about 13–20 metres (43–66 ft), is hardy to zones 10-12 (USDA), and is vulnerable to frost.[1] The tree prefers moist, sandy, loam or clay soils that are well-drained with neutral acidity.[1] It requires sun exposure and can tolerate drought.[1]
The fruits are rough, mottled and up to 20 cm (8 in) long and contain large, flat and bright red coloured seeds, commonly known as kola nuts.[2] The seed contains 1.25–2.4% caffeine, and can be chewed or ground into a powder added to beverages to increase alertness, diminish fatigue, and increase stamina.[1] These seeds are unusual in having as many as six cotyledons, among the most of any dicot (the vast majority of dicots having two cotyledons).[3]
Its fruits are harvested from the forests of West Africa.[2] The fruits contain about 2% catechin-caffeine, theobromine and kolatin. They are roasted, pounded or chewed, and can be added to drinks, such as tea or milk, or cereal such as porridge.[2] When the whole nuts are chewed, they have a bitter flavour, but leave a sweet aftertaste that enhances flavour and sweetness of other foods in the meal.[1]
In Africa, kola nuts may be used in traditional medicine or as a food colour, while the wood may be used as fuel, or for making furniture, houses or boats.[1]
These days, the Coca-Cola recipe is a closely guarded secret. But it's said to no longer contain kola nut extract, relying instead on artificial imitations to achieve the flavour
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.jpg "Cola acuminata")
