Kola nut, also spelled cola, is the seed of several types of evergreen trees that are native to West Africa. Kola nuts are used in making soft drinks and medicines. They contain the chemicals caffeine and theobromine, which have a mildly stimulating effect.
Kola nut trees reach heights of about 60 feet (18 meters). They have oblong, leathery leaves, yellow flowers, and star-shaped fruit. Each fruit contains several irregularly shaped, fleshy kola nuts. The color of the nuts can be either white or red. Kola nuts usually measure about 11/2 inches (3.8 centimeters) in length.
Many people in Africa chew kola nuts like gum. They call them guru or goora nuts. Kola nuts are grown in Asia, South America, western Africa, and the Caribbean.
