It's a caffeine containing nut of evergreen trees of the genius cola,which the primary species are acuminata and cola nitida, a tree of about 20 meters tall in height,the trees has yellow flowers with purple spots, and star shaped fruit,the nuts aroma is sweet and rose like,first taste bitter and sweeten at last. it comprises about 29% caffeine and also contain kolain and theobromine which are stimulants, its used ceremonially in west africa,presented to chiefs or to guests,called "GORO" in the hausa language.
Like they say"HE WHO GIVES OBI GIVES LIFE", Obi abata or kolanut is used mostly by the traditionalist in WestAfrica as a divining tool,it can be found all over Africa, its called"BISI" in Jamaica,it is said that kola grows where people respect their elders.
OBI is an Orisa,one of the 401 Orisa which constitute a major part of the Yoruba Worship system. Obi was sentenced to suffer the fate of dryness whenever she depart her husband,its an edible fruit for the orisha and human beigns,the yoruba in particular.
CULTURAL BELIEVE: Kolanut wards off(Death/sickness/losses/misfortune) "ITS THE SYMBOL OF LIFE CONTINUITY"
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