Which tree species is often called the sausage tree because of its long, sausage-shaped fruits?

Kigelia africana is often called the sausage tree because it bears long, sausage-shaped fruits.

The species is native to tropical Africa and grows along rivers, in wet savannas, and in other areas with sufficient moisture. Its large fruits hang from long stalks and can reach roughly 60 centimetres in length, although they are not edible raw and can be poisonous.

The tree’s dark red, pendulous flowers open at night and are pollinated mainly by fruit bats. This nocturnal pollination explains why the flowers are especially adapted to attract bats rather than daytime insects.

The sausage tree has cultural and medicinal importance in parts of Africa, and it is also planted as an ornamental tree in tropical regions. Its distinctive fruit is not a true sausage and should not be confused with edible fruits from plants such as tamarind or breadfruit.