What is a sausage tree?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
March 7, 2002
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading—>Click here.
Assorted Killer Savings Garden Links—>Click here.
Killer Picks: Leather backpack, Ruana cloak, Pearl necklace, & more—>Click here.
The sausage tree (Kigelia africana (Lamarck) Bentham) of sub-Saharan Africa is beautiful in flower. The blood-red to maroon flowers hang in long panicles. The fragrance of the flower is not pleasing to humans but attracts the dwarf epauleted bat (Micropteropus pusillus), its pollinator. As the flowers drop from the tree, animals come to feed on the nectar-rich blooms: impala, duiker,
baboons, bush pigs, and lovebirds.
The common name of the tree is for the startling woody seed pods. Dangling from the tree are sausage-shaped fruits up to a meter in length and weighing 5 to 12 kilograms (39 inches and 11 to 26 pounds). Safari organizers warn people not to park or camp under the trees in March and April when the fruit begins to drop.
The rind of the fruit is used to aid the fermentation of the local brews. The pods are kept as religious charms and fetishes, and produce a red dye when boiled. Ointment made from the fruit is used to treat skin conditions. And Meyer's parrots are fond of the seeds.
Mekoro are dug-outs made of the trunks and large roots of the sausage trees. These canoes have been used for thousands of years as transportation in the Okavango River delta in Botswana.
National Geographic has a beautiful photograph of Kigelia africana taken in the Congo.
Click here to view the photograph
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
How does a passionflower fool a butterfly? Renfield's Garden - August 1, 2001
What is a California sister? Renfield's Garden - February 18, 2004
How do firebush flower mites travel? Renfield's Garden - August 31, 2005
What butterfly may someday treat cancer? Renfield's Garden - November 6, 2002
What butterfly never visits a flower? Renfield's Garden - May 29, 2002
Why do zebra swallowtails eat pawpaw leaves? Renfield's Garden - May 5, 2004
Killer Savings Links: Breck's Bulbs -$25 off—>Click here.
Gurney's Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Henry Fields Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Spring Hill Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Gardens Alive! -$20 off—>Click here.
Michigan Bulb -$20 off—>Click here.
Unique Professionally Designed Gardens
Springhill Nursery®
Spring Hill Nursery has unique gardens professionally designed by experts to take the guesswork out of gardening. Whether you are looking for a three season garden, foundation garden, or a garden to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, Spring Hill Nursery has created a step-by-step design just for you.
Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery!
Leather backpack, 'Casually Honey'
NOVICA®
|
|
|
Strong supple leather lends its beauty to a backpack from the Becerra Collection. An outer pocket and a zipper pocket on the back are handy to access. The bag closes with a drawstring secured by a buckled flap, and comfortable shoulder straps can be adjusted.
Because each piece is individually crafted, the color may vary slightly. You save 49%
Click here for sale price and more info.
[View more...]
|
100% alpaca wool reversible ruana cloak, 'Red Traditions'
NOVICA®
|
|
|
This ruana cloak in shades of red is inspired by the textile dyes used in the Andes," says Patricia Anaya proudly. She knits an ample cloak of genuine alpaca wool, which is distinctly warm, soft and lightweight. Anaya's flair for versatile elegance guides her in the reversible design of the cloak, so it can be worn on either side. You save 53%
Items Remaining: 4 on 09/07/2006
Click here for sale price and more info.
[View more...]
|
Earrings, 'Silver Dance'
NOVICA®
|
|
|
Known as dormilonas ("sleepy ones" in Spanish), these elegant hoops are the legacy of the Piura culture, where they were worn by the nobility. They pre-dated the Inca, and their last tribes were known as Tallanes. Working in lustrous silver, Giovanna Larnia recreates the splendor of a bygone age. She adorns the earrings with a fine filigree.
.950 rating silver. Items Remaining: 5 on 09/07/2006
You save 46%
Click here for sale price and more info.
[View more...]
|
Pearl necklace, 'Taxco Rain'
NOVICA®
|
|
|
Raindrops transformed into river pearls cast a spell of enchantment for this choker, created with singular artistry by Oscar Figueroa Escorcia. Hanging from sterling silver appendages, the cultivated river pearls glisten in tones of white, steel blue and gray. Figueroa infuses his unique creativity with Taxco's silversmith tradition in the crafting of inspired jewelry pieces certain to add a touch of distinction to any outfit.
.925 silver. Items Remaining: 1 on 09/07/2006
You save 56%
Click here for sale price and more info.
]View more...]
|
National Geographic Magazine
National Geographic®
|
|
You are invited to roam the world in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography. The monthly National Geographic magazine is your key benefit of membership.
Additional benefits include:
- As many as five wall map supplements throughout the year in issues of the magazine
- A personalized Membership Certificate
- Special discounts on selected products
- The opportunity to examine special Society products free in your home before deciding to purchase
- The privilege of traveling the world with the Society's educational travel tour programs
- The satisfaction of supporting important research, conservation, education, and exploration projects
|
|
Join the Society and bring the adventure of National Geographic into your home!
Click here for price and more info...
|
| |
killerplants Recommended Smart Stores
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 BACK TO TOP
|
|
