Digital Garden

Kigelia africana

Balamkheera

Scientific name- Kigelia africana

Common name- Sausage Tree, African Sausage Tree, German Sausage Tree, Cucumber Tree

Family-    Bignoniaceae

Habit type- Large shrub or small tree

Geographical Distribution and general features- Kigelia africana is native to Africa and is most frequently found in the continent's southern, central, and western regions. Kigelia africana is a medium to large semi-deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 m in height and has a dense, rounded crown. The bark is gray and peels off in older trees. The wood is pale brown and yellowish. The tree is evergreen where rainfall occurs, and deciduous during a long dry season

Leaves: Leaves are opposite or whorled, and pinnately compound up to 60 cm long. 

Flower: The inflorescence is terminal, panicle, and flowers are bisexual. 

Fruit: The fruits are large grey-green and sausage-like, about 30-60 cm long, and hang on stalks from the tree. Each fruit can weigh between 5-10 kg. 

Medicinal Use: In rural African communities, K. africana has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially to treat sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, respiratory and digestive problems, hepatic disease, skin cancer, diabetes, and cardiac and nutritional disorders. Fruits are the most frequently used plant part in traditional medicine preparations, followed by the stem bark, roots, and leaves.