There just are no plants on the planet, many of them surprise travelers with its beauty and extraordinary.Especially outstanding representatives are found in tropical countries as a constant shortage of water affects their appearance.On the island of Madagascar, as well as in southern Africa is growing kigelia called Kigelia yet.Europeans learned about it only in the XIX century and were very surprised by what he saw.
Tree does have a very interesting view.Under the broad crown on long sturdy twine hanging huge fruit up to 50 cm in length and up to 20 cm circumference.They are something like the big dogs, so the plant is well named - kigelia.Photo Kigelia is misleading because it may seem that the fruits are edible.Of course, some African tribes during the hunger strike, the plant seeds are used in cooking, but use them at your own risk, since they are very toxic and if improperly cooking can kill a person.
fruit of the tree is very hard, so to get to the seeds, it is necessary to use an ax or saw.Local residents have adapted to use in folk medicine, the different parts of a tree, for example, the bark is used for making drugs, preventing the emergence of skin cancer.For animals kigelia perfectly safe and even beneficial.Parrots regale seeds, baboons and giraffes manage to eat solid, like a tree, the fruit, and the antelope, and elephants are happy to pluck the flowers and leaves.
plant perfectly adapted to life in the heat of Africa.With the onset of severe drought kigelia clears the leaves to save moisture.During this period the tree appear beautiful scarlet flowers that bloom only at night, and fading in the morning.They exude the smell is not particularly pleasant, but it attracted little bats and birds sunbirds which pollinate the flowers.In the rainy season the plant suddenly turns green, covered with young leaves.
In nature, the tree grows to 12 m in height and width of its crown reaches 9 meters. Kigelia applies to plants alone, so near it can grow only trees of other species.Propagated by seeds, it is only because the fruit is too hard, sometimes the seeds germinate directly in them.Kigelia can be safely attributed to exotic plants, so it is cultivated in the botanical gardens, greenhouses and even in urban apartments.
Unpretentiousness Kigelia and rapidity of its growth makes it a very popular plant.Indoor wood, of course, does not grow so big as in nature, it is only a small copy of its African relative.But if necessary, with proper care in three or four years Kigelia tree reaches adult size.
Kigelia will be a great decoration for any conservatory, and in the apartment, it will add an exotic and create a special atmosphere.When you look at this amazing wood seems hot Africa with its unique color, beautiful scenery and the animals.But, most importantly, great plant survives not only in the tropics, but also in our conditions, it is able to withstand any heat and even a little cold.
