Kigelia pinnata – Kigelia africana, Sausage Tree, Sausage tree

Description

A medium-sized tree to 18 m (59 ft.) tall, native to savannas and riverine forests in central and southern Africa with attractive, glossy green foliage; beautiful, orchid-like, dark red flowers; and curious, sausage-like fruits that hang on long stalks below the crown. It is widely used in traditional African and Western medicine and in cosmetics and is a very popular ornamental for tropical regions in USDA Zones 10 and 11. Plants should be sited carefully as the falling fruits can be a nuisance.