Kigelia Africana
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth.
Kigelia africana, the Sausage Tree, is one of Africa's most iconic and ecologically vital trees, celebrated for its dramatic night-blooming maroon flowers hanging on long rope-like stems and its enormous sausage-shaped fruits. Sacred across many African cultures, it symbolizes fertility, protection, strength, and the sacred bond between people and the natural world.
Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Vine family)
Late spring to early summer (August to October in South Africa; variable across range); flowers open at night and last only one night each
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: agapanthuss and callicarpas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Kigelia africana is one of the most culturally and spiritually significant trees in Africa. It is held sacred by many communities across the continent, and its large sausage-shaped fruits are widely traded in local markets as talismans believed to bring good luck in a wide range of situations. For many groups, especially in Botswana, the tree is associated with protection and sacred power. Among the Agikuyu of Kenya, there was a tradition of never harvesting the fallen fruit yourself but waiting for it to fall on its own, a practice reflecting the spiritual protocols that surrounded the tree's use. The fruit has deep associations with fertility and virility across many cultures. The Kigelia africana also plays a role in African beer-brewing traditions, with roasted fruits added to ferment muratina and karubu. The genus name Kigelia derives from the Mozambican Bantu name kigeli-keia. The tree is also one of the great ecological pillars of the African savannah, sustaining dozens of species of birds, bats, insects, and mammals through its flowers and fruits.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; a pioneer species of open woodland and savannah that thrives in exposed positions
Water
Moderate; tolerates both seasonal drought and temporary waterlogging; naturally grows along watercourses
Soil
Sandy, Loamy, Well-drained, Tolerates seasonal flooding, Tolerates poor soils
Expert Growing Tips
Plant with great care regarding position: the large, heavy fruits weighing up to 9 kg (20 lb) can fall with dangerous force and severely damage vehicles, structures, or injure people below
Maintain a planting distance of at least 6 meters from all buildings, paving, pools, and parking areas; the root system is invasive
Does not tolerate frost; grow only in USDA zones 10-12
Tolerates temperatures from approximately 4 to 40 degrees C (39-104 degrees F)
The tree can be grown as a large container specimen when young in cooler climates; overwinter under glass
One of the first trees to flower in the Kruger National Park each spring, providing a vital early-season nectar source for wildlife
The night-blooming flowers are primarily pollinated by epauletted fruit bats; daisy, sunbirds, and Charaxes butterflies also visit during the day
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Dramatic specimen shade tree for large tropical and subtropical gardens and parks
- Wildlife garden tree providing habitat and food for bats, sunbirds, orioles, bulbuls, weavers, parrots, hornbills, monkeys, elephants, baboons, and kudu
- Avenue and parkland tree in frost-free tropical areas
- Riverbank and floodplain stabilization planting
- Botanical garden feature tree valued for its spectacular flowers and fruit
Traditional Uses
- Fruit extract is the basis of a multi-million dollar global skincare industry; research confirms anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties of fruit compounds
- Traditional remedies from crushed, dried, or fresh fruits used for ulcers, sores, syphilis, eczema, fungal infections, wounds, and gynecological conditions across many African cultures
- Fruit used to flavor and ferment local beer (karubu and muratina in Kenya); roasted fruits added to brew to increase fermentation and flavor
- Seeds roasted and eaten as a famine food across parts of Africa
- Roots yield a bright yellow dye
- CAUTION: Raw fruit is toxic to humans and should not be eaten unprocessed
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kigelia Africana
What does Kigelia africana symbolize?
Kigelia africana symbolizes fertility, protection, and sacred power. Across many African cultures it is held as a sacred tree, and its large fruits are traded as good-luck talismans. It is widely associated with fertility, vitality, and the deep spiritual bond between African peoples and the natural world.
Why does the Sausage Tree flower at night?
Kigelia africana flowers open at night because they are primarily pollinated by epauletted fruit bats, which are nocturnal. The flowers emit a strong, pungent scent in the evening to attract bats to their abundant nectar. Each individual flower lasts only one night, though the flowering season extends over several weeks. Sunbirds, orioles, Charaxes butterflies, and other daytime visitors also feed on the residual nectar by day.
Is the Kigelia africana fruit toxic?
Yes, the raw fruit of Kigelia africana is toxic to humans and should not be eaten unprocessed. The seeds can be roasted and eaten as a famine food in some communities. The fruit is safely eaten by large animals such as elephants, baboons, bushpigs, and porcupines. Extracts of the fruit are widely used in the skincare industry and confirmed to have antifungal, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Is the Sausage Tree dangerous to grow in a garden?
Yes, Kigelia africana requires very careful siting. The fruits can weigh up to 9 kg (20 lb) and fall with considerable force, posing a serious risk of injury to people and significant damage to vehicles and structures. The tree should be planted at least 6 meters from any building, path, parking area, or outdoor seating. It also has an invasive root system that should be kept well clear of foundations, paving, and pools.
What wildlife does Kigelia africana support?
Kigelia africana is one of the most important wildlife support trees in the African savannah. Its night-blooming flowers provide nectar for fruit bats and hawkmoths. By day, sunbirds, orioles, bulbuls, weavers, parrots, hornbills, and monkeys visit for nectar and flower buds. Fallen flowers are eaten by kudu, duiker, and impala. The fruits are consumed by elephants, baboons, bushpigs, and porcupines, which may aid in seed dispersal.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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