Unveiling the Mysteries of the UCLA "Potato Tree" (Kigelia Africana)
The UCLA campus, a vibrant hub of learning and innovation, also boasts a rich tapestry of botanical wonders. Among these, the so-called "Potato Tree" stands out, sparking curiosity and lore among students and visitors alike. While often referred to as a "Potato Tree," its actual name is Kigelia africana, commonly known as the Sausage Tree. This article delves into the facts and myths surrounding this unique tree and explores other botanical highlights on the UCLA campus.
The True Identity: Kigelia africana
The tree, more accurately known as Kigelia africana, is indigenous to Africa. The name "Sausage Tree" comes from the unusual, sausage-shaped fruits that dangle from its branches. These fruits, while not edible for humans, add to the tree's distinctive appearance. It is worth noting that the trees are located south of Moore Hall.
Location and Appearance on Campus
The Sausage Trees are located on the south side of Moore Hall. Search for Moore Hall in the Campus Plant database, and you’ll get a list of 22 trees and plants near that building, from the sausage trees to a giant bird of paradise at the building’s west entrance and a groundcover of lavender-flowered trailing lantana along steps northwest of Moore.
Myths and Legends
Like many landmarks on a college campus, the Kigelia africana at UCLA has its own set of myths and legends. One myth involves the naming of Haines Hall.
The potato tree is tied to one myth.
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The Campus Plants Database
For those seeking a comprehensive guide to the flora of UCLA, the Campus Plants database is an invaluable resource. This database, residing on the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden website, was created by professor emeritus Wayne Dollase of the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences. Dollase stepped in to create the online database, pulling in contributions from colleagues campuswide after Mathias’ pamphlet eventually went out of print.
The Department of Geography, for example, contributed a list of coastal sage scrub and chaparral hillside plants that grew near Parking Lot 11. Capital Programs provided archived landscape plans that captured the vision of UCLA’s first landscape architect, Ralph D. Cornell.
Beyond the "Potato Tree": Other Botanical Gems on Campus
UCLA's commitment to sustainability extends beyond individual trees. The campus is home to various student organizations focused on conservation and ecological awareness.
Some of the most popular trees on campus are on the Tongva/Kuruvungna lawn, a frequent set of trees that students use to tie their hammocks to sunbathe or relax between or after class. Looking for some of the most beautiful trees on campus? Consider going to north campus, where the Jacaranda trees bloom with purple flowers in spring across the Sculpture Garden lawns.
Student Organizations and Sustainability
Consider joining programs or student organizations! ASUCLA reached out to a handful of the conservational and Earth-related organizations on campus. The following information describes the clubs contacted, though they have not responded at the time of publication. This is not an exhaustive list of all UCLA ecological and Earth-considerate organizations. Botanical Club at UCLA: The Botanical Club centers around researching and valuing botanics, including a multitude of fields from conservation to systematics and more.
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UniCamp
UniCamp began in 1927 as a Depression-era canned food drive for children in the Sawtelle neighborhood of Los Angeles, run by UCLA student volunteers. By the summer of 1935, we transformed into a summer camp experience under the umbrella of the University Religious Conference at UCLA. In the nearly 90 years since our first summer, a lot has changed: we changed campsites multiple times, we weathered various world events (including World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic), we became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we evolved and improved our programs. Even through all of that, our core mission has remained the same: to give campers an amazing, fun, and beneficial summer camp experience.
UniCamp is designed to be an influential aspect of every camper’s development. After each session, our goal is that campers have: improved resiliency and perseverance improved leadership and teamwork skills more knowledge about their natural environment a desire to serve their own communities increased understanding of who they are and their identities developed skills to leading a physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally healthy life.
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