Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola) Garcinia kola
Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola) (Garcinia kola) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Clusiaceae family, native to West and Central African humid forest (Sierra Leone to DR Congo). It grows 12–30 m (39–98 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Mature height | 12–30 m (39–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 521–782 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (chewed; bitter) |
| Native to | West and Central African humid forest (Sierra Leone to DR Congo) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds in quantity
Seeds are chewed as a stimulant and contain bitter biflavonoids; large amounts upset the stomach. Keep away from pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola)
- How far apart should I plant Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola)?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola) flower?
- About 521–782 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Seeds are chewed as a stimulant and contain bitter biflavonoids; large amounts upset the stomach. Keep away from pets.
- What grows well with Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bitter kola (orogbo, false kola). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A slow forest tree; its seeds are offered to guests and in ceremonies alongside kola nuts in Nigeria. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List from over-harvesting of seed and bark.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Ma-dan (Garcinia schomburgkiana) Garcinia schomburgkiana
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- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata