Sausage Tree – 5 Seeds

The Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana) boasts long, open sprays of large, wrinkled, maroon or dark red trumpet-shaped flowers that are velvety on the inside and that virtually overflow with nectar. The unique fruits look like giant sausages and can weigh several kilograms. Fresh fruit cannot be eaten – it is said to be a strong purgative, and causes blisters in the mouth and on the skin. Green fruits are said to be poisonous.

The tree is found on riverbanks, where it may reach 20 m, along streams and on floodplains, also in open woodland, from KwaZulu-Natal to Tanzania. Common names: sausage tree (Eng.); worsboom (Afr.); umVunguta, umFongothi (Zulu); Modukguhlu (North Sotho); Muvevha (Venda)

Sausage Tree Uses:

• In Malawi, roasted fruits are used to flavour beer and aid fermentation.
• Traditional remedies prepared from crushed, dried or fresh fruits are used to deal with ulcers, sores and syphilis – the fruit has antibacterial activity.
• Beauty products and skin ointments are prepared from fruit extracts.

Growing Sausage Tree

Indoor Sowing: Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• Sow seeds in Spring.
• Soak the seeds for 24 hours in warm water.
• Then sow the seeds in river sand.
• Protect young plants from frost.
• The tree has an invasive root system, so plant away from buildings.
• Plant in full sun, add lots of compost and mulch well.
• Water moderately.
• It tolerates temperatures ranging from about 4°C to 40°C.