Family: Bignoniaceae
Author: (Lam.) Benth.
Bibliography: W.J.Hooker, Niger Fl.: 463 (1849)
Year: 1849
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Kigelia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa
Description
The Sausagetree, known scientifically as Kigelia africana, is a distinctive and significant plant species native to tropical and southern Africa. This intriguing tree belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and has become renowned not only for its unique appearance but also for its various cultural, medicinal, and ecological roles.
Named for its large, sausage-shaped fruits, which can measure up to two feet in length and weigh several pounds, the Sausagetree is an eye-catching feature of the African landscape. The tree itself can reach heights of 10-15 meters, showcasing a broad, spreading crown with strikingly lush, pinnate leaves. Each leaf comprises several oval leaflets, providing a dense, beautiful canopy.
The tree’s bell-shaped flowers are equally notable. These reddish-brown or purplish blooms, often tinged with yellow, flourish in clusters, predominantly pollinated by bats and other nocturnal creatures. The flowers emit a strong, musky odor that attracts their pollinators, thus playing a critical role in the reproductive cycle of this fascinating plant.
Kigelia africana’s fruits, despite their appealing appearance, are not typically consumed by humans due to their toxic properties when raw. However, once prepared and processed correctly, they are utilized in various traditional medicines. Indigenous populations have long used the fruits, bark, and leaves of the Sausagetree to treat a multitude of ailments, such as skin conditions, infections, and digestive issues. Furthermore, modern research is exploring the potential of its bioactive compounds for use in pharmaceuticals and skincare products.
Ecologically, the Sausagetree offers substantial benefits. It provides critical habitat and food for numerous wildlife species. For instance, the tree’s flowers supply nectar to bats and birds, while its fruits are a food source for elephants, baboons, and various antelope species, despite their challenging texture and taste.
Historically and culturally, the Sausagetree holds a place of reverence in many African communities. Its robust wood is sometimes used in local crafts and construction, while the tree itself is often planted for its ornamental value and shade.
Kigelia africana was first formally described by W.J. Hooker in Niger Flora (1849), emphasizing its botanical and ecological importance. The plant’s scientific nomenclature reflects contributions from not only Hooker but also (Lam.) Benth., acknowledging the collaborative efforts in its classification.
In summary, the Sausagetree is a botanical marvel that enriches the environments where it thrives and offers numerous benefits to both humans and animals. Its unique characteristics and multifaceted uses underscore its prominence within the plant kingdom and African heritage.
Common Names
Deu: leberwurstbaum
Swe: korvträd
Fra: saucissonnier
Eng: sausage tree, sausagetree
Spa: árbol de las salchichas
En: Sausagetree, Sausage tree
Af: Worsboom
Fr: Saucissonnier, Arbre à saucisses, Kigélie d’Afrique
De: Leberwurstbaum
Pt: Salsicheira
Es: Árbol de las salchichas
Sv: Korvträd
Synonyms
- Tecoma africana ((Lam.) G.Don)
- Bignonia africana (Lam.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- Mexico Southwest (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 24, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 6, 2016 by Eric Leeuwerck (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Other
Taken Aug 26, 2022 by ramos luis m. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Muhammad Falah (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melis ANTONINO (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Pépin d’ALMEIDA (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 3, 2019 by segura francis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2019 by segura francis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2019 by segura francis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Thanikaivel B (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2021 by James Machure (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by co sp (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2019 by Steph Steph (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ravi LUCKHUN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 1, 2022 by Eagle Gamma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2022 by Eagle Gamma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2019 by Ruan Ruan Combrink (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 27, 2021 by Alia Mi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Jonas SOVI (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Shreyas Patel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2022 by Eagle Gamma (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172561)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:109874-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree