Cola nitida
Cola vera
Cola acuminata - Abata Cola

The kola nut is obtained from several West African or Indonesian trees, such as Cola nitida or Cola vera, and the Abata Cola (Cola acuminata), of the Malvaceae (formerly Sterculiaceae ) family. This is the same family as the Cacao plant, among many others.

Having a bitter flavor and high caffeine content, the kola nut is chewed in many West African cultures, individually and more commonly in a group setting. It is often used ceremoniously or presented to guests.

Kola was originally used to make cola soft drinks, though today the flavor of most of these mass-produced beverages is artificial. One exception is Barr's Red Kola, another is Cricket Cola , the latter being made from kola nuts and green tea.