134 Species of Genus Cola

The Cola Plant: More Than Just a Refreshing Drink

As Ferb Vu, I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world, especially the plants that provide us with so many essential resources. One genus that has particularly caught my attention is the Cola genus, a group of trees native to Africa’s tropical forests. Most people associate the name “cola” with the popular carbonated beverage, but the story of this plant goes far beyond the soda bottle.  

The Cola genus belongs to the Malvaceae family, which also includes plants like cotton and hibiscus. These trees are known for their caffeine-containing fruits, often called kola nuts. These nuts have played a significant role in African cultures for centuries, used in social customs, religious ceremonies, and traditional medicine.  

A Diverse Genus with Many Uses

The Cola genus is surprisingly diverse, with an estimated 134 species. Some of the most well-known include:  

1. Cola acuminata (P.Beauv.) Schott & Endl.
2. Cola altissima Engl.
3. Cola angustifolia K.Schum.
4. Cola anomala K.Schum.
5. Cola argentea Mast.
6. Cola attiensis Aubrév. & Pellegr.
7. Cola baldwinii Jongkind
8. Cola ballayi Cornu ex Heckel
9. Cola bilenguensis Pellegr.
10. Cola bipindensis Engl.
11. Cola bodardii Pellegr.
12. Cola boxiana Brenan & Keay
13. Cola brevipes K.Schum.
14. Cola bruneelii De Wild.
15. Cola buesgenii Engl.
16. Cola buntingii Baker f.
17. Cola cabindensis Exell
18. Cola caricifolia (G.Don) K.Schum.
19. Cola cauliflora Mast.
20. Cola cecidiifolia Cheek
21. Cola cheringoma Cheek
22. Cola chlamydantha K.Schum.
23. Cola chlorantha F.White
24. Cola clavata Mast.
25. Cola coccinea Engl. & K.Krause
26. Cola congolana De Wild. & T.Durand
27. Cola cordifolia (Cav.) R.Br.
28. Cola crispiflora K.Schum.
29. Cola digitata Mast.
30. Cola discoglypremnophylla Brenan & A.P.D.Jones
31. Cola diversifolia De Wild. & T.Durand
32. Cola dorrii Cheek
33. Cola duparquetiana Baill.
34. Cola edeensis Engl. & K.Krause
35. Cola elegans Pierre ex Breteler
36. Cola etugei Cheek
37. Cola fibrillosa Engl. & K.Krause
38. Cola ficifolia Mast.
39. Cola flaviflora Engl. & K.Krause
40. Cola flavovelutina K.Schum.
41. Cola gabonensis Mast.
42. Cola gigantea A.Chev.
43. Cola gigas Baker f.
44. Cola gilgiana Engl.
45. Cola gilletii De Wild.
46. Cola glabra Brenan & Keay
47. Cola glaucoviridis Pellegr.
48. Cola greenwayi Brenan
49. Cola griseiflora De Wild.
50. Cola heterophylla (P.Beauv.) Schott & Endl.
51. Cola hispida Brenan & Keay
52. Cola hypochrysea K.Schum.
53. Cola idoumensis Pellegr.
54. Cola kimbozensis Cheek
55. Cola kodminensis Cheek
56. Cola lasiantha Engl. & K.Krause
57. Cola lateritia K.Schum.
58. Cola laurifolia Mast.
59. Cola lepidota K.Schum.
60. Cola letestui Pellegr.
61. Cola letouzeyana Nkongmeneck
62. Cola liberica Jongkind
63. Cola lissachensis Pellegr.
64. Cola lizae N.Hallé
65. Cola lomensis Engl. & K.Krause
66. Cola lorougnonis Aké Assi
67. Cola louisii Germ.
68. Cola lukei Cheek
69. Cola macrantha K.Schum.
70. Cola mahoundensis Pellegr.
71. Cola mamboana Kenfack & Sainge
72. Cola marsupium K.Schum.
73. Cola mayimbensis Pellegr.
74. Cola mayumbensis Exell
75. Cola megalophylla Brenan & Keay
76. Cola metallica Cheek
77. Cola micrantha K.Schum.
78. Cola microcarpa Brenan
79. Cola millenii K.Schum.
80. Cola minor Brenan
81. Cola mixta A.Chev.
82. Cola mossambicensis Wild
83. Cola mosserayana Germ.
84. Cola moussavoui Breteler
85. Cola nana Engl. & K.Krause
86. Cola natalensis Oliv.
87. Cola ndongensis Engl. & K.Krause
88. Cola nigerica Brenan & Keay
89. Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl.
90. Cola noldeae Exell & Mendonça
91. Cola obtusa Engl. & K.Krause
92. Cola octoloboides Brenan
93. Cola pachycarpa K.Schum.
94. Cola pallida A.Chev.
95. Cola philipi-jonesii Brenan & Keay
96. Cola pierlotii Germ.
97. Cola porphyrantha Brenan
98. Cola praeacuta Brenan & Keay
99. Cola pseudoclavata Cheek
100. Cola pulcherrima Engl.
101. Cola quentinii Cheek
102. Cola quintasii Engl.
103. Cola reticulata A.Chev.
104. Cola rhynchophylla K.Schum.
105. Cola ricinifolia Engl. & K.Krause
106. Cola rondoensis Cheek
107. Cola rostrata K.Schum.
108. Cola ruawaensis Cheek
109. Cola rubra A.Chev.
110. Cola scheffleri K.Schum.
111. Cola sciaphila Louis ex Germ.
112. Cola selengana Germ.
113. Cola semecarpophylla K.Schum.
114. Cola simiarum Sprague ex Brenan & Keay
115. Cola sphaerocarpa A.Chev.
116. Cola sphaerosperma Heckel
117. Cola stelechantha Brenan
118. Cola stigmatosa Breteler
119. Cola subglaucescens Engl.
120. Cola suboppositifolia Cheek
121. Cola sulcata Engl.
122. Cola supfiana Busse
123. Cola tessmannii Engl. & K.Krause
124. Cola triloba (R.Br.) K.Schum.
125. Cola tsandensis Pellegr.
126. Cola uloloma Brenan
127. Cola umbratilis Brenan & Keay
128. Cola urceolata K.Schum.
129. Cola usambarensis Engl.
130. Cola vandersmisseniana Germ.
131. Cola verticillata (Thonn.) Stapf ex A.Chev.
132. Cola welwitschii Exell & Mendonça ex R.Germ.
133. Cola winkleri Engl.
134. Cola zemagoana Kenfack & D.W.Thomas

While the caffeine content of kola nuts is what brought them into the global spotlight, these nuts have a much richer history in Africa. Traditionally, they have been used for various purposes, including:

• Stimulant: The caffeine in kola nuts acts as a stimulant, helping to combat fatigue and improve alertness.
• Medicine: Kola nuts have been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as asthma, fatigue, and headaches.  
• Social and cultural practices: Kola nuts are often used in social gatherings and ceremonies as a symbol of hospitality and goodwill.  

The Journey from Forest to Factory

The journey of the kola nut from the African forests to the global market is a fascinating one. European explorers first encountered kola nuts in the 16th century. By the 19th century, kola nuts were being shipped to Europe and the United States, where they were used to flavor beverages and medicines.  

The creation of Coca-Cola in 1886 marked a turning point for the kola nut. The original formula for this iconic beverage included kola nut extract, which provided its characteristic caffeine kick. While the exact formula for Coca-Cola remains a closely guarded secret, it is believed that kola nut extract is still used in the drink today, albeit in smaller quantities.

The Future of Cola

The Cola genus faces challenges, including deforestation and climate change. However, there is also growing interest in the potential of these plants. Researchers are exploring the medicinal properties of kola nuts, and there is increasing demand for sustainably sourced kola products.

As someone passionate about the environment and sustainable practices, I believe it’s crucial to support efforts to conserve the Cola genus and promote its responsible use. By understanding the rich history and diverse applications of these plants, we can appreciate their value beyond their role in the beverage industry and ensure their continued contribution to both culture and health.