{"product_id":"african-sausage-tree-seeds-kigelia-africana","title":"African Sausage Tree Seeds | Kigelia africana","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNight-Blooming Flowers · Monumental Hanging Fruit · Fresh Seed from Our Own Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePack Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard Pack with 5 seeds or Best Value Pack with 15 seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Australian Grown • Organically Cultivated\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Source:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshly extracted from mature fruit produced on our own established Australian tree when your order is fulfilled\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large tropical tree\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Broad crown with long pendant flower stalks and massive sausage-shaped fruits\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spacious tropical and subtropical gardens, botanical collections and large landscape plantings\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Broad-canopied shade tree suitable for stabilising riverbanks on appropriate warm-climate sites\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sowing is our preferred method; no pretreatment required\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Flowering \u0026amp; Fruiting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expect flowering from around 4 to 6 years from seed under good cultivation. Once mature, night-blooming flowers are successfully pollinated, massive woody fruits can begin developing in the same flowering cycle. Timing and fruit set vary with climate, pollination and care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout African Sausage Tree\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew botanical specimens command the architectural presence of \u003cem\u003eKigelia africana\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloping a broad, spreading crown, the tree is most recognised for its extraordinary pendulous reproductive cycle. Deep maroon, velvet-textured flowers hang beneath the canopy on long, rope-like stalks. Opening at night, these blooms release a strong scent thought to attract nocturnal pollinators including bats and hawk moths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing successful pollination, the tree develops its namesake fruits: monumental, woody fruits suspended on long stalks beneath the canopy. They can reach roughly 30 to 90 cm in length and may weigh up to around 12 kg, giving a mature fruiting tree an unmistakable silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed for this listing is not pre-extracted and held in storage. It remains inside mature fruit produced on our own established Australian-grown \u003cem\u003eKigelia africana\u003c\/em\u003e tree until an order is ready to be fulfilled. We then open the fruit and remove the seed specifically for that order, giving you the freshest seed we can practically supply. To preserve that advantage, we recommend sowing promptly after receipt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its extraordinary appearance, \u003cem\u003eKigelia africana\u003c\/em\u003e also has genuine landscape value. Its broad crown provides substantial shade and the species is suitable for stabilising riverbanks where climate, space and site conditions are appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElephants, giraffes and other African mammals do more than eat the massive fruits of \u003cem\u003eKigelia africana\u003c\/em\u003e. Seeds can pass through their digestive systems and be deposited in dung, turning these animals into seed dispersers that carry the tree’s next generation away from the parent plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Ethnobotanical History\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Tree Across Tropical \u0026amp; Southern Africa\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKigelia africana\u003c\/em\u003e is native across tropical and southern Africa, where it occurs in savanna, wooded grassland, riverine forest and forest margins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMore Than 400 Names\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore than 400 vernacular names have been recorded for the species, reflecting how widely the tree became known across its enormous native range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSausage Trees are regarded as sacred by many communities and have often been deliberately preserved on farmland when surrounding trees were removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBeer, Timber \u0026amp; Everyday Life\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Kenya, the fruit has traditionally been used in the fermentation of sugar-cane and honey beers among communities including the Kamba, Kikuyu, Mbeere, Embu, Tharaka, Giriama and Digo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe timber has been used for practical objects including stools, mortars, milk vessels, beehives, boxes and canoes. In Malawi, extensive cutting for canoe timber became significant enough for the tree to receive protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross its native range, \u003cem\u003eKigelia africana\u003c\/em\u003e has therefore been far more than an ornamental curiosity. It has been named, retained and used as part of practical and cultural life over generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Grow African Sausage Tree from Seed in Australia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest Time to Start:\u003c\/strong\u003e October to January in subtropical and frost-free warm-temperate areas once conditions are reliably warm. In tropical Australia, seed may be started year-round where sustained warmth can be maintained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e01 Prepare the Growing Medium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFill individual pots or a propagation tray with a clean, free-draining seed-raising mix. Moisten the mix so it is evenly damp but not waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e02 Sow Directly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow each seed approximately 5 to 10 mm deep and cover lightly with growing medium. No pretreatment is required for our preferred direct-sowing method.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e03 Maintain Warmth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the seed consistently warm, ideally around 24 to 28 °C. Bottom heat can be useful where ambient temperatures fall below this range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e04 Maintain Even Moisture \u0026amp; Patience\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the growing medium evenly moist while allowing free drainage. Germination often begins within approximately 2 to 4 weeks under favourable warm conditions, although individual seeds can take longer. Emergence can be naturally uneven, so do not discard pots simply because every seed has not germinated at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e05 Pot On Carefully\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce seedlings have developed several true leaves and a healthy root system, move them carefully into individual pots. Keep young plants warm, provide strong light and protect them from frost and prolonged cold while they establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGermination Notice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile we provide detailed growing instructions, successful germination depends on environmental factors such as season, temperature, moisture, growing medium and care. Because these conditions are outside our control, Sacred Plants Australia cannot guarantee germination outcomes. By purchasing our seeds, you acknowledge and accept these variables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Care \u0026amp; Maintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow in full sun. Strong light and sustained warmth support healthy growth, flowering and fruit development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly while young plants establish, then maintain moderate moisture with good drainage. Established trees can tolerate periods of seasonal drought, but growth is strongest with reliable moisture. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use fertile, free-draining soil with enough depth and space for a substantial root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply a balanced fertiliser during active growth where soil fertility is limited. Avoid excessive feeding of very young seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCool Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Young trees are frost-sensitive. Protect them from frost and prolonged cold until well established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow substantial long-term space for the broad crown and pendant fruit. Remove dead or damaged branches as required, and clear fallen fruit and unwanted seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResponsible Cultivation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both ripe and unripe fruits are poisonous to humans. Mature fruits can weigh up to around 12 kg and can cause serious injury or property damage if they fall. Site mature trees away from frequently used paths, seating areas, vehicles and play areas. Do not eat fresh fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Biosecurity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNSW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQLD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConditions apply\u003cbr\u003ePlease verify current Tasmanian small-weight seed import requirements before ordering.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nre.tas.gov.au\/biosecurity-tasmania\/plant-biosecurity\/small-weight-seed-imports\"\u003eView Tasmanian seed import requirements →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVIC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAvailable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINTERNATIONAL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConditions apply\u003cbr\u003ePlease confirm your destination's import requirements before ordering. International post is available where permitted. Sacred Plants Australia does not provide phytosanitary certificates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eLast Reviewed: 1 October 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/biosecurity-import-information\"\u003eBiosecurity \u0026amp; Shipping Information →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sacred Plants Australia","offers":[{"title":"Starter Pack • 5 Seeds","offer_id":53864004518182,"sku":"KGS-5","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Best Value Pack • 15 Seeds • Save 33%","offer_id":53864004550950,"sku":"KGS-15","price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/7656\/8102\/files\/sacred-plants-australia-african-sausage-tree-seeds-kigelia-africana-mature-fruiting-tree_1c51306e-cf6a-4c41-91b2-088e926e9f14.jpg?v=1790166032","url":"https:\/\/sacredplants.com.au\/products\/african-sausage-tree-seeds-kigelia-africana","provider":"Sacred Plants Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}