Cola acuminata

Cola acuminata is a species in the genus Cola, of the family Malvaceae, native to tropical Africa. The fruits are rough, mottled and up to 8 inches long and contain large, flat and bright red coloured seeds, commonly known as Kola nuts. Its fruits are harvested from the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The fruits contain about 2% catechine-caffeine (colanine), which is believed to have a greater level of alkaloids (caffeine), thereby increasing the stimulatory effect. They are roasted, pounded or chewed and can also be added to drinks such as tea or milk or cereal such as porridge. In West Africa this product is sold as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, although evidence for its effectiveness is limited.