Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha) Kigelia africana
Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha) (Kigelia africana) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Tropical and southern Africa (Senegal and Eritrea to KwaZulu-Natal). It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 10–20 m (33–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
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Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical and southern Africa (Senegal and Eritrea to KwaZulu-Natal) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: fresh fruit
The fresh fruit is poisonous and strongly purgative; it is only used dried, roasted or fermented (traditionally in beer). Fruits up to about 60 cm long weigh several kilograms: do not park, sit or play under a fruiting tree.
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 Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha)
- How far apart should I plant Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha)?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–20 m (33–66 ft).
- Does Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha)?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha) flower?
- From about March for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. The fresh fruit is poisonous and strongly purgative; it is only used dried, roasted or fermented (traditionally in beer). Fruits up to about 60 cm long weigh several kilograms: do not park, sit or play under a fruiting tree.
- What grows well with Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sausage tree (worsboom, muvevha). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Long, rope-like stalks carry clusters of maroon, velvety flowers that open at night, smell unpleasant and are pollinated by bats; huge grey sausage-shaped fruits follow. A famous shade tree in African parks and an exotic in tropical botanic gardens worldwide.
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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