What is the sausage tree?
A sausage tree or kigelia pinnata is a unique tree that comes from the tropical regions of Africa. Unfortunately, this tree does not actually create sausages, but its distinctive fruit is very similar to the mass product for which it is called. It is not unusual to see how trees planted as ornamental trees in many parts of Africa and Asia, because their rich red flowers are striking, beautiful and highly aromatic. Some garden shops in tropical areas store seedlings, for people who want to try the growing of trees themselves. The trees have simple pinnatellars folded leaves and produce flowers on extremely long stems. The flowers are shaped as bells and grow in small clusters that descend towards the ground. Their scarlet color is usually hidden during the day, with flowers opening in colder evening temperatures to attract bats and insects with their sweet nectar, thus promoting pollination. Fruits are actually technically berries and are shapedas elongated gourd; At an occasional view, it was possible to forgive that he thought the sausage tree was really absorbed by giant sausages, maybe cured future consumption. In areas with an extended season of drought, the trees hit the sausages of their leaves to save energy; Otherwise they remain evergreen.
The fruit of the sausage tree is not tasty for people, but is popular with many African animals, as well as flowers. African women traditionally rubbed the pulp into the skin to avoid defects, and the fruit is used in some products in Africa and abroad; It seems to have several compounds that truly support healthy skin. Sausage extracts are also used in shamponos and other body care products.
The only food use of fruit is in beer; Several African tribes traditionally added fruit to ferment grain for beer and claimed to accelerate the fermentation process and add a unique taste.
Like other plants in the genus Bignoniaceae is the primary use of the sausage tree as a purely decorative accessory to the garden; The use of a plant is more like a pleasant side advantage than a reason for growing for most gardeners. If you have ever happened to be interested in seeing a sausage tree, because these unique trees are personally more impressive than they will ever be in the text.