Bitter Kola
Garcinia kola
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Pl. DFC3 — Garcinia kola
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IOverview
Overview
Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) is a tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, it thrives in moist, wet environments with light to partial shade. This tree grows up to 12 meters tall and prefers well-drained soils that are sandy, medium, or clayey. While the plant is adaptable to various conditions, it requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Bitter Kola is valued not only for its fruit but also for its seeds, which can be used in traditional medicine and culinary applications.
Quick answers
What is Bitter Kola?
Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) is a tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, it thrives in moist, wet environments with light to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bitter Kola thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 12 meters tall. Propagate through seeds for fruit and edible parts. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bitter Kola for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for Bitter Kola.
- 1
What you'll need
Bitter Kola seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Bitter Kola during the spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds 2-3 cm deep in moist soil. Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and place the plant in a sunny spot, ensuring it gets at least partial sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Provide full or partial sun depending on local climate. Fertilize lightly once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to encourage branching and remove dead or damaged branches as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full shade, not providing enough support for the tree's height, using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:GumPest controlFire starterLightingTanninTeethWaterproofingLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 12 native
Africa8 regions
native (8)AngolaBeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireGabonLiberiaNigeriaSierra Leone
Broader regions
native:Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., Zaïre, Central African Repu
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · dfc33d5a-1784-4629-8ae5-bfff1e7d0074
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