| Scientific name | Cola nitida and Cola acuminata |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Fleshy seed divided into several cotyledons or lobes, then hard and irregular after drying |
| Odor | Mild, vegetal, and slightly earthy, with a bitter and astringent flavor |
| Color | White, pink, or red when fresh, then reddish-brown to dark brown after drying |
| Parts used | Seeds with their husks removed, whole, fragmented, or ground into powder |
| Origins | Tropical West and Central Africa |
| Toxicity level | Moderate due to its natural caffeine content; excessive consumption may cause nervousness, palpitations, or sleep disturbances |
