Sausage tree attracts a lot of attention, even from people who are not nature enthusiasts. I have seen many of them wondering whether the huge sausage like fruits is edible. No, the fruits are not eaten by humans.
Plant Summary:
Botanical name is Kigelia Africana and belongs to family Bignoniaceae (Jacaranda family). In Kannada it is aptly known as Aanethoradu Kaayi or Mara Southae (Tree Cucumber), and in Hindi it is known as Jhar Fanoos. This tree is planted for its ornamental value in parks and road sides.
To spot the beautiful blooms of this tree, one has to stand right below the tree and look up. You will find deep red flowers hanging on stalks from the trees. Sausage tree flowers are fragrant and bats, insects and birds are attracted to them. The deep yellow lines running on the petals add to the attractiveness, but they fall off very soon.
The fruits are in the shape of a sausage or cucumber with a woody surface. The fruits are heavy and sometimes you can find a bunch of fruits on the tree.
Medicinal use:
Sausage tree fruit is used to treat skin ailments and is widely used in cosmetics.
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