Your Source for Gardening in the Sunshine State!
Plant of the Month |
Sausage Tree or Kigelia pinnata is native to the woodland and more open areas of Africa. Of the family Bignoniaceae it is cultivated for its unusual flowers and large, woody, sausage-like seed pods. Bats find this plant's slightly unpleasant smelling, night-blooming flowers very attractive.
|
 |
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Sausage Tree
Botanical Name: Kigelia pinnata
Family: Bignoniaceae
Plant Type: Large tree
Origin: Africa
Zones: 10 - 11
Height: 50' or more
Rate of Growth: Medium
Salt Tolerance: Medium
Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil
Water Requirements: Moderate during growing season, less in winter
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
Light Requirements: Full sun
Form: Large tree
Leaves: 20" long, leathery, deep to mid-green, pinnate borne in opposite pairs
Flowers: Rich brownish-red, open, trumpet-shaped, on 3-6' long loose, pendant panicles
Fruits: Long woody pods 14-24" long, pale brown and 11-15 pounds when ripe
Pests or diseases: Whiteflies, Spider Mites, Mealybugs and Leaf Spots
Uses: Specimen plant, shade tree
Bad Habits: None
Cost: $$ - $$$ -- reasonable to expensive, may be difficult to obtain
Propagation: Seed sown in spring at 70-73°
Sources: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants
©1999 Florida Gardener. All Rights Reserved.
Last updated 06/03/08
