How to Plant Yellow Monkey Kola in Nigeria
Yellow monkey kola (Cola lepidota), locally called Achicha in some parts of Nigeria, is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the Malvaceae family.
It is native to the humid lowland forests of West and Central Africa, particularly Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to planting yellow monkey kola in Nigeria.
Covering everything from choosing the right site, planting season, to nurturing the trees, managing pests, and harvesting for maximum yield.
Description of the Yellow Monkey Kola Plant
This tree is evergreen and can grow up to 10 – 15 meters tall, with a straight trunk and a dense canopy of glossy green leaves.
It produces round to oval fruits with a thick, leathery, yellow to orange skin when ripe.
Inside, the fruit contains 1 – 4 large seeds surrounded by a sweet, edible, fibrous pulp that has a pleasant aroma and mild taste.
The seeds themselves are not commonly eaten raw but may be used in some local preparations.
The pulp is the main edible part, consumed fresh or sometimes processed.
The yellow monkey kola is highly valued in rural communities for its nutritive and medicinal benefits.
It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is believed to aid digestion, improve immunity, and provide quick energy.
In Nigeria, it is typically found in rainforest zones and home gardens, and it thrives in warm, humid conditions with well-drained soils.
The plant flowers and fruits seasonally, with peak harvest often during the rainy season.
Planting Season for Yellow Monkey Kola
Yellow monkey kola (Cola lepidota) thrives in warm, humid climates and benefits from adequate rainfall for healthy establishment.
In Nigeria, the best planting season is at the onset of the rainy season, usually between March and May in the southern zones and slightly later in central regions.
Planting during this time ensures that young seedlings or seeds receive consistent moisture, reducing the stress of manual irrigation and helping them root firmly before the dry season.
See Also: How to grow kola nut
Planting Yellow Monkey Kola
Step 1 – Choose a Location
Select a sunny to partially shaded site with well-drained, fertile loamy soil.
Avoid waterlogged areas, as prolonged flooding can cause root rot.
Since the tree can grow tall, choose a location with enough spacing, at least 8 – 10 meters apart from other large trees or buildings to allow proper canopy spread.
Step 2 – Land Clearing and Preparation
Clear the land of weeds, shrubs, and debris.
Till the soil lightly to improve aeration and loosen compacted ground.
If the soil is poor, mix in well-rotted compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.
Dig planting holes of about 60 cm wide × 60 cm deep and refill partly with topsoil mixed with manure before planting.
Step 3 – Means of Propagation
Yellow monkey kola can be propagated through:
- Seeds – the most common method, though germination can take 2 – 4 weeks.
- Seedlings – transplanting nursery-grown plants for faster establishment.
- Stem cuttings or grafting – less common, but can be used for improved varieties.
Step 4 – How to Plant Yellow Monkey Kola from Seed
- Seed Extraction – Remove seeds from ripe yellow monkey kola fruits and wash off the pulp.
- Pre-planting Treatment – For faster germination, soak the seeds in water for 12 – 24 hours.
- Planting – Place the seeds 3 – 5 cm deep in prepared holes or nursery bags filled with rich loam. Plant one seed per hole.
- Spacing – Maintain a spacing of 8 – 10 meters between trees in the field.
- Transplanting – If grown in a nursery, transplant seedlings when they are 3 – 6 months old, preferably at the start of the rains.
Step 5 – Watering
Young plants need regular watering, especially in the first 6 – 12 months after planting.
Water 2 – 3 times weekly during the dry season, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Mature trees usually rely on rainfall but may benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged droughts.
Step 6 – Apply Manure
Apply organic manure (such as poultry droppings, compost, or cow dung) at planting and every 3 – 4 months during the first year to boost growth.
In subsequent years, apply manure or NPK fertiliser at the start of each rainy season to encourage healthy flowering and fruiting.
Maturity and Harvest
Yellow monkey kola trees grown from seed may take 4 – 6 years to start fruiting, while grafted or improved seedlings can bear earlier, within 3 – 4 years.
Fruits mature during the rainy season and are ready for harvest when the skin turns bright yellow to orange.
Harvest by hand-picking or using a hooked stick to avoid damaging branches.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests:
- Fruit borers: They feed on developing fruits, causing early drop.
- Mealybugs: suck sap from leaves and stems, weakening the plant.
- Termites: They attack the roots and stems, especially in young trees.
Common Diseases:
- Root rot: caused by poor drainage or prolonged waterlogging.
- Leaf spot: a fungal infection causing brown patches on leaves.
- Anthracnose: This leads to fruit rot and premature fruit drop.
Pest and Disease Control
- Fruit Borers – Use insecticide or approved bio-insecticides during flowering and early fruiting stages.
- Mealybugs – Control with insecticidal.
- Termites – Apply wood ash around the base of young trees and destroy nearby termite mounds.
- Root Rot – Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant on raised beds in flood-prone areas.
- Leaf Spot / Anthracnose – Prune affected branches, destroy infected leaves, and spray fungicides during humid periods.
Yellow monkey kola (Cola lepidota), or Achicha, is more than just a tasty tropical fruit.
It’s a valuable crop with nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits.
By planting at the right season, choosing a suitable location, preparing the land properly, and following good care practices such as;
regular watering,
manure application and,
pest control.
Farmers can enjoy healthy trees that produce abundant fruits for many years.
With patience and proper management, your yellow monkey kola plantation can become a reliable source of income
And a way to preserve this underutilised indigenous fruit for future generations.
Whether for home consumption or commercial purposes, cultivating yellow monkey kola is an investment that rewards both the farmer and the community.
Hope this article was helpful.
