Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth.

ശിവകുണ്ഡലം

Family : Bignoniaceae

Synonym :

Bignonia africana Lam., Kigelia pinnata (Jacq.) DC., Crescentia pinnata Jacq.

Common Names : Sivakundalam, Sausage tree

Flowering Period : Throughout the year

Distribution : Africa; introduced in the tropics as ornamental tree

Habitat : Grown as ornamental tree

Uses : Ornamental, anti-rheumatic, toxic plant

Key Characters :

Kigelia africana is trees with leaves imparipinnate, opposite, clustered towards the apex of branchlets; leaflets 5-9, opposite; lamina obovate, oblong, margin entire. Flowers bisexual, axillary pendulous panicles; calyx campanulate, 2-lipped; corolla  dark purple with yellow stripes, campanulate; lobes 5, broadly triangular-ovate; stamens 4; anthers sagittate; ovary superior; stigma broadly ovate. Fruit muddy brown, scurfy flakes present, indehiscent.