Sausage Tree

Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth.

kie-GEL-ee-ah aff-reh-CAY-nah

Bignoniaceae

Explanation of name: The generic name comes from an African name for the tree.  Africana means from Africa.

Synonym: Kigelia pinnata (Jacq.) DC. (see Internet source below)

Natural range: Africa

Recognition: Tree with large opposite pinnate leaves.  Flowers bilaterally symmetrical, large, cup shaped,  the color of meat.  Fruits resembling large sausages dangling from the branches.  Pollinated by bats.

Landscape uses:  Eventually a very large shade tree with large (spring) cup-chaped flowers and sausage-shaped fruits dangling from the canopy. A botanical garden “oh my” species. Beware of large size, invasive roots, and falling fruits.

Internet source: http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/kigeliaafric.htm