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(October 2012)| The kola nut is the fruit of the kola tree, a
genus (Cola) of trees native to the tropical rainforests of
Africa. The caffeine-containing fruit of the tree is sometimes
used as a flavoring ingredient in beverages, and is the origin
of the term "cola." General description  Kola nut is a caffeine-
containing nut of evergreen trees of the genus Cola, primarily
the species Cola acuminata and Cola nitida. Cola acuminata is an
evergreen tree of about 20 meters in height, and has long, ovoid
leaves pointed at both the ends with a leathery texture. The
trees have yellow flowers with purple spots, and star-shaped
fruit. Inside the fruit, about a dozen round or square seeds can
be found in a white seed shell. The nut’s aroma is sweet and
rose-like. The first taste is bitter, but sweetens upon chewing.
The nut can be boiled to extract the cola. This tree reaches 25
meters in height and is propagated through seeds. C. nitida and
C. acuminata can e