What is the difference between bitter kola and the kola nut?

Bitter kola and kola nut are both seeds from plants in the kola tree family, but they come from different species. Bitter kola, scientifically known as Garcinia kola, has a sharp, bitter taste and is often used in traditional medicine and rituals in West Africa. In contrast, kola nut, from the Theobroma and Cola species, has a milder flavor and is commonly used as a stimulant because of its caffeine content. While both are culturally significant, their uses and flavor profiles differ considerably.