There are no plants on our planet, many of them surprise travelers with their beauty or extraordinary. Particularly bright representatives are found in hot countries, since a constant lack of moisture affects their appearance. On the island of Madagascar, as well as in southern Africa, a sausage tree grows, also called kigelia. Europeans met him only in the 19th century and were very surprised by what they saw.
The tree really has a very interesting look. Huge fruits up to 50 cm in length and up to 20 cm in circumference hang under a wide crown on long strong twine. They are somewhat similar to large sausages, which is why the plant was called - sausage tree. The photo of kigelia is misleading, because it may seem that its fruits are edible. Of course, some African tribes during the hunger strike use the seeds of the plant in cooking, but they use them at their own peril and risk, since they are very toxic and if not properly prepared can kill a person.
The fruits of the tree are very hard, so to get to the seeds, you have to use an hatchet or saw. Local residents have adapted to use various parts of the tree in folk medicine, for example, bark is used to prepare a medicine that prevents skin cancer. For animals, sausage wood is completely safe and even beneficial. Parrots eat seeds, baboons and giraffes manage to eat solid fruits like a tree, and antelopes and elephants are happy to pick flowers and leaves.
The plant has adapted perfectly to life in hot Africa. With the onset of severe drought, the sausage tree drops its leaves to save moisture. During this period, beautiful flowers of scarlet color appear on the tree, blooming only at night and withering in the morning. They do not have a particularly pleasant smell, but it attracts small bats and nectaria birds that pollinate flowers. In the rainy season, the plant suddenly turns green, covered with young foliage.
In nature, a tree grows up to 12 m in height, and the width of its crown reaches 9 m. Kigelia is a solitary plant, so only other species of trees can grow near it. It propagates only by seeds, since the fruits are too hard, sometimes seeds germinate directly in them. Sausage tree can be safely attributed to exotic plants, so it is grown in botanical gardens, greenhouses and even in urban apartments.
The unpretentiousness of kigelia and the speed of its growth make this plant very popular. Indoor tree, of course, does not grow as huge as in natural conditions, it is only a small copy of its African relative. But if necessary, then with proper care, after three or four years, kigelia will reach the size of an adult tree.
Kigelia will be an excellent decoration for any greenhouse, and in the apartment it will add exoticism and create a special atmosphere. When looking at this amazing tree, hot Africa appears with its unique flavor, beautiful landscapes and animals. But, most importantly, the plant survives perfectly not only in the tropics, but also in our conditions, it is able to withstand any heat and even slight frost.
