By Sola SHITTU
Goro is the Hausa word for kolanut, the caffeine fruit commonly consumed in the tropical part of Nigeria. Gorontula therefore literally translates to Tula’s kookaburra, meaning that unlike the common kolanut, gorontula is only found in Tula communities in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State and Michika in Adamawa State, both on the mountainous belt stretching across the two states.
In English language, gorontula is known variously as tree hibiscus, snot apple or African chewing gum because it is sweet and chewy with lots of fibre. Botanically, it is known as azanza garckeana or azanza for short.
There are four Tula communities, namely Wange Tula, Yiri Tula, Baule Tula and Kaltin Tula, all located in the mountainous and rocky parts of the state. But for reasons that probably border on climate or weather of the mountain, gorontula can only be found in Tula and Michika and nowhere else around the world, hence the reason it is called gorontula; a kind of kolanut peculiar to the Tula tribe in Gombe State.
The Tula communities were predominantly agrarian until recently when Gorontula began to attract the attention of fun seeking men and women who are rushing to the affected communities to obtain the fruits in order to satisfy their sexual fantasies.
“Men who want to satisfy their women come from as far as Chad, Niger and Cameroon to buy gorontula because it makes sex sweet for both women and men. It also works for fertility, diabetes and high blood pressure,” said Heman Ephraim, the Seriki Gorontula.
Tula Entrance
“I have a history of high blood pressure, and each time I notice the sign, I just take the Gorontula and I will sleep and become normal,” he added.
Until 10 to 12 years ago, gorontula was just a fruit the Tulas took to the farm to assuage hunger and derive energy while working on their farms.
“We can work long hours on the farm taking only water and gorontula without feeling hungry,” said Salisu Malare, a gorontula produce trader in Tula.
According to him, the wide acclaim about the sexual ability of Tula women and men did not originate from Tula. “It was the testimony of men who married our women to confirm that they were brought up well,” he said, laughing.
Indeed, talks about sex usually elicits excitement from both sexes around Tula communities. Serah Jodah, for instance, said she had been eating gorontula from childhood and could not imagine that any other women could beat Tula women on bed. She said: “It is very true that gorontula makes our women sexually active and also repairs and cleanses the reproductive organs. We have been using it for long without even knowing the medicinal values of the fruit.”
On her part, Esther Umar said: “We took it for granted because we have always seen the gorontula as our own and it has become part of our daily food.
“Some women also use gorontula to cure infection, boost their fertility and increase libido.
“If a woman finds it difficult to conceive, we often take gorontula to enhance our fertility. Even those who experience dryness during intercourse use gorontula. And it is not only for women; both sexes use it. Men, in particular, come from different places to get it.”
gorontula is an essential ingredient of Kayamata, a popular sex enhancing herb among Hausa people.
“Its honey, seeds and leaves are extracted and used for various medicinal purposes. It is the mainstay of the economy of Tula communities. (The Nation)
