Geography

• Kola trees are native to West Africa but can also be found throughout the West Indies. The Cocoa Institute of Nigeria states they are cultivated in Brazil, the West Indies and Nigeria.
  
  

Types of Trees

• Two types of kola trees, cola nitida and cola acuminata, are responsible for producing the majority of kola nuts. Both types of trees are slim and tall, reaching up to 65 feet. They produce small flowers that develop into nuts about twice a year.
  
  

Identification

• Kola nuts are small, brown and round. They look like large chestnuts and smell a bit like nutmeg. When chewed, they are somewhat bitter but leave a pleasant, sweet aftertaste.
  
  

Uses

• Kola nuts are used primarily to make cola beverages. They are also used in the production of caffeine, laxatives and heart stimulants.
  
  

Warning

• In a study published in a 2003 issue of "Pharmaceutical Biology," researchers found that ingesting high amounts (35 mg per day) of kola nut produced an increase in the malaria parasite in the bloodstream and resulted in malaria-like symptoms.