You’ll be sure to see a Kigelia africana throughout tropical parts of Africa. In Kenya, they can be found in a variety of environments, from the coast to the highlands. Most communities traditionally revered this tree—although many tree species have been cut over the years due to agricultural forest degradation, this tree is typically spared because of its cultural significance, specifically its longstanding use in ceremonies. It also helps that the Kigelia africana poses not threat or competition to crops. Although the unripe, sausage-shaped fruit is poisonous, it can be opened lengthwise and used to ferment traditional beers in a number of communities, including the Kamba, Kikuyu Mbere, Embu, Tharaka, Giriama, and Digo people. Besides its use in beer fermentation, the wood is used as firewood, charcoal, and in furniture making, as well as in folk medicine.

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He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Colossians 1:15-16