In Marimurtra we have a very special tree: the African Kigelia, popularly connected with the sausages tree with its spectacular fruits. It is derived from a species native to the savannas and forests of tropical Africa, believed to have originated from rivers and llacs.
A unique species
The African Kigelia is the only species of its genus, which is the most unique species. It can reach 20 meters of height and, depending on the climate, it behaves as deciduous or semi-evergreen. In Blanes, our exemplar pateix due to defoliations at any time: it has a partial rest in the winter and, in very dry and hot summers, it may also lose part of the full capacity to stagnate water.
A spectacular flowering and curious pol·linitzadors
The flowers of the African Kigelia are grouped in long inflorescences and are large, vermilion and showy. But the most surprising is its pollination system: in Africa they are pollinated above all by frugivorous rats (who feed mainly on fruit), in a phenomenon anomenat chiropterophilia. The flowers open at night, give off an intense scent and offer a lot of nectar, adaptations designed to dare these mammals.
In Marimurtra, as these ratpenats do not exist, the flowers can be visited (and pol·linitzades) by large insects such as borinots or harnesses (for example l’Agrius convolvuli) and only by opportunistic ocells trying for nectar.
Some surprising fruits
The fruits of African Kigelia are authentic giants: they can reach 1 meter long and weigh 10 kg!
In Africa, these fruits have traditionally been used in popular medicine, in the preparation of fermented beverages (since they are toxic if consumed raw). Furthermore, the whip of this tree, in being very light, has been used in craftsmanship and small canoes.
The local fauna also plays a role: elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, baboons, among other large mammals, feed on fruits (but they are non-toxic in nature) and contribute thereto to disperse the fires.
The story of our exemplar
Our exemplar is one of the few who believe outside Europe. The 2014 will bloom for the first time and, the next, will donate fruit: an exceptional fet that will be able to visit the Garden. From the shores, each new flowering is a small spectacle that reminds us of the uniqueness of this species and the richness of the botanical heritage of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden.
