Marula tree uses. Marula (Sclerocarya birrea (A.

Marula tree uses Jul 9, 2024 · In this guide, we'll explore five remarkable trees found in the Kruger National Park, each with its unique characteristics, fascinating facts, ecological roles, and traditional uses by local communities. It is also mostly Aug 4, 2016 · In earlier years, extracted marula seeds were crushed and squeezed into marula oil. The common English name is Marula or cider tree, and is commonly known in Jun 9, 2020 · Bark is often used for medicinal purposes and its wood can be used for making drums. The marula tree can be found in South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal, stretching as far north as Ethiopia. The bark and leaves of the Marula tree contain compounds that can act as antidiarrheals and anti-inflammatories, providing relief from stomach ailments and promoting digestive health. Marula (Sclerocarya birrea (A. The tree's leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat wounds and infections. The leaves are consumed in the form of tea and offer several health benefits, whereas the […] Marula trunk Female flowers Green marula fruit Sapling with distinctive emarginate leaflets with toothed margins, features not present in adult plants. But let’s look at the most popular uses. In Namibia it is mainly found in the northern parts of the country. The tree grows near the river but it can also be re-planted. Nowadays, the oil is largely used in cosmetics as a remedy for skin ailments due to its wealth of anti-oxidants and omega acids which produce excellent hydrating and anti-ageing qualities. National Tree: Marula [Morula] Known as the Sclerocarya birrea in scientific circles, the marula tree gets its name directly from the Setswana “morula” (whose ‘o’ sound has proven very difficult to native English speakers, who tend to give it M arula tree felling Customary laws form a central component of marula use and strong cultural taboos have long existed to protect wild fruit trees on communal lands in South Africa and Namibia. Female trees bear up to 500 kg of fruit each year, while the male tree puts on a delicate floral display instead. In recent years, Marula has gained popularity worldwide for its numerous health and beauty benefits. When one does see Marula trees being cut down, it is a clear indication that a community is under pressure. . ” It symbolizes fertility and is linked to various traditional rituals and celebrations. Aug 4, 2023 · A Glimpse into Marula Fruit. As the tree is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees, it is not by coincidence that the marula female tree is one of the most Dec 15, 2019 · The historical backdrop of the Marula tree returns a large number of years. com/magrizamademecook Subscribe to MMMC: https://www. Marula Alcohol – A Traditional Beer. Read time: 3 minsAn African sunset, sipping on an Amarula liqueur somewhere in the beautiful breathtaking bush on a game reserve in South Africa. The tree is a protected species that occurs in the miombo woodlands and grasslands of Southern Africa. Feb 24, 2025 · Beyond its dermatological applications, marula has been traditionally used to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders. This was used to enrich vegetables and other relishes. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees, the flowers of male plants producing pollen and the female flowers producing the fruit for which the tree is so well known. Aug 15, 2023 · This blog about marula trees was written by Aldo Louw. This might be the picture that pops into your mind when the name The most popular product obtained through fermentation of the fruit is an alcoholic beer made by rural communities. com/channel/UCaOU-9jYx6WSPs17BZbUwFQ?sub_ Mar 3, 2023 · The Marula tree continues to provide a source of sustenance and enrichment to African communities. During colonial times it was even used for tomato boxes and toilet seats. If a woman wants a son the male tree is used, and for a daughter, the female tree. subsp. Smallholder farmers also harvest tree bark and branches for several uses. The tree grows well between 769 to 921m in elevation, and occurs in semi-arid to sub humid portions of Africa. The tree’s leaves, bark, and roots are used traditionally for various treatments. The fruit pulp can be made into all sorts of snacks such as fruit rolls, jams and jellies. He further notes that in South Africa, the Zulu people use the stem bark of the marula tree to treat conditions such as dysentery, diarrhoea, and infections like Nov 23, 2024 · The bark of the marula tree is not edible and may contain harmful compounds. ) Kokwaro]. Decortication of Marula kernels Photo: CRIAA SA-DC Harvesting and sustainable use Traditional law and customs around harvesting have evolved from the long history of Marula use in northern Namibia. The making Apr 23, 2024 · Marula oil is a product of the marula tree, scientifically known as Sclerocarya birrea. Marula wood has been traditionally used for carving pestles and mortars, bowls, drums, beehives and stools and even canoes in some areas. Rich. Occurrence and Description. Used for centuries in traditional African medicine, every part of the Marula tree (be it fruit, bark, leaves, and oil) offers potent healing properties. Nov 10, 2021 · Marula known also as Umganu, Mupfura, Tsua, Morula, Mng’ ongo, Mafula, Nkula and Ol-mangwai is a popular African tree distributed across many African countries. The leaves, stem bark, root and fruit are used extensively in food and traditional medicine. Commercial uses. The tree is sometimes called 'bastard marula' or 'false marula' because when it is without flowers or fruits, it become quite similar to the marula tree and sometimes it's confused for the marula tree. They ripen between December and March, and have a light yellow skin with white flesh. Marula Tree Facts Marula trees are dioecious, which means they have a specific gender. Sep 10, 2024 · The fruit of the tree is not only recognised for its health benefits but also for the medicinal uses of other parts of the tree, such as the leaves, bark, and roots, explains Motsi. Marula trees, scientifically known as Sclerocarya birrea, thrive in the rich soils of sub-Saharan regions in Africa. , 2021). Many generations have embraced its strong roots, majestic height, and sweet fruits, and its importance in local culture cannot be overstated. Sclerocarya birrea or marula tree is a medium to large (15-20 m high), deciduous, with a wide crown and characteristic silvery, mottled bark, peeling in disc-shaped flakes. Marula is a short-boled, small to medium-sized, dioecious, single stemmed tree with a wide spreading rounded crown that normally grows about 9–12 m tall but occasionally up to 18 m, bole is short (usually ca. It is one of the plants that played a role in feeding people in ancient times. Marula is a prolific bearer. A drink can be made from boiled marula fruit skin, or a coffee substitute can be made from burnt skin. It is a deciduous tree belonging to the same family as cashew, mango and pistachio. At the industrial level, the fruit of the marula tree is collected in the wild by members of rural communities on whose lands the trees grow. This blog about marula trees was written by Aldo Louw. Eaten raw, or roasted, they have a delicious taste and are regarded as a delicacy. The tree is highly valued for its multiple uses, with the fruit, bark, and leaves used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Marula fruit are cylinder-like plum-sized drupes, and may range from 3 to 4 cm in thickness. This might be the picture that pops into your mind when the name The marula is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree with an erect trunk and rounded crown. The moist inner bark has antihistaminic properties against insect bites and hairy caterpillar burns. The marula has become commercialized over the past few years, although it has not yet been planted in orchards. Marula is also known by other names such as Elephant tree, Jelly plum, and Marula plum. Marula oil has a similar fatty acid composition to olive oil but is much more resistant to oxidation and rancidity. The tree bears fruit from January through March – give or take several weeks, depending upon location, beginning when the tree reaches seven to ten years of age. Marula Tree Uses. C. Jun 23, 2022 · Marula (Sclerocarya birrea, A. Nov 14, 2024 · The Marula Tree is valued in African culture for its fruit, which is used in traditional foods, beverages, and skincare products, and is linked to various cultural practices. The results of the research indicated that marula cutting is still strongly prohibited in all areas surveyed – by both customary and government laws Marula oil is used topically to hydrate the skin, and as an edible oil in the diet of the San people in southern Africa. The marula tree is a drought-resistant tree that is widely distributed in sub-Saharan tropical Africa. Mar 1, 2011 · Background: Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) is an indigenous African fruit-bearing tree with many commercial uses however, de-kernelled seeds generated from Marula fruit-processing are wasted. Its fruits, savored by both humans and animals, ripen around March and have roots in African traditions 1 2 3 4. Even the green leaves are eaten to relieve heartburn. The petite, round marula fruits sprout in clusters along the tree’s branches, ripening to a golden yellow hue when optimally mature. Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) is a popular African wild tree distributed in many African countries where the leaves, stem bark, root, and fruits are used in food and traditional medicine; the fruit is rich in ascorbic acid. It has been introduced into Australia, and is also being grown as an experimental crop in Israel. Marula, Scelerocarya birrea, subspecies caffera, is one of Africa' botanical treasures. Check out the marula marmelade recipe by chef Anele Jili! Umganu (marula tree) is a tree used by African people especially the Zulus. It is mainly used for traditional healing of mumps (uzagiga). Marula oil comes from the marula fruit tree May 11, 2012 · Abstract. The oil has amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants that may benefit the hair, skin, and nails. Oct 1, 2012 · Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) is a popular African wild tree distributed in many African countries where the leaves, stem bark, root and fruits are used in food and traditional medicine; the Feb 4, 2011 · Local communities in southern Africa derive many benefits from marula [Sclerocarya birrea (A. […] Dec 27, 2024 · The Marula, or Sclerocarya birrea, is a resilient subtropical tree renowned for its delicious fruits and nuts. Did you know? Nov 21, 2019 · In ancient times, the tree was linked to fertility and happy marriage. It is said that the mumps will disappear within three days. The Marula has long been considered an important food source for humans and animals on the African continent. 5 cm in length. They grow in sandy loam soils and in woodlands of various sorts. Marula is well known for its multiple potential uses, including animal feeding, and it could be valuable in agroforestry systems. Sep 25, 2020 · The Marula tree has become famous owing to the now popular Liquor: Amarula, made from the tasty fruit. Special topic blogs are written by Bushwise students during their course, and all facts included are based on their research. Apart from being used for making the infamous Amarula, the marula fruit is widely known for its use in the manufacturing of the essential oil - marula oil [1]. Not only is the fruit so highly valued, but every component of the tree can serve a vital purpose. caffra is indigenous to southern Africa. A whole range of beliefs is developed around the marula tree; it is known to the Zulu as the "marriage tree," for it is a symbol of fertility and is used in a cleansing ritual before marriage. ) Hochst. With a clear understanding of the edible parts of the marula, you can now explore the best harvesting techniques to enjoy this unique fruit. Archaeological evidence shows the marula tree was a source of nutrition as long as ago as 10,000 years B. Apr 11, 2022 · Many cosmetic products contain marula oil. These include the contribution of this species towards health, nutrition, food security and conservation by sharing local skills and knowledge related to it. The sub-species S. birrea is a medium-sized tree with alternate and compound leaves, reddish flowers with a raceme inflorescence, and edible one-seeded drupe fruits that turn yellow when ripe. Homesteads are often found close to Marula trees and many trees are tenured to individual households. Archeological proof demonstrates the marula tree was a wellspring of nutrition as long as prior as 10,000 years B. The inner bark of the tree may be used to produce a rope of a fair quality. This tree is mainly found in Miombo Woodlands in different regions of Africa. Once this oil is extracted, it can be used in a wide variety of cosmetic and cooking applications, although it is most famous for its effects on the skin and hair. Avoid ingesting it to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with this remarkable plant. Fermented marula fruit can also be used productively. Oct 2, 2023 · For a girl, she must take the bark from a female Marula tree, and for a boy, she must take the bark from a male Marula tree. Aug 11, 2017 · The marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea) is one of Africa’s treasures. Jun 4, 2022 · Find out more on this unique tree and its use. Uses: Marula fruit juice is extracted by soaking the fruit overnight and can be fermented to make beer that is used in traditional ceremonies. We hope this guide highlights the Marula Tree’s ecological and cultural value. Sep 5, 2024 · The medicinal benefits of marula extend beyond its fruit. The Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea) The Marula tree is one of the most iconic and culturally significant trees in the Kruger National Park. Its versatility makes it a valuable ingredient in various products. Marula fruits can be eaten fresh, squeezed to make juice, brewed in traditional beer or used to Feb 18, 2025 · The single-stemmed marula tree is found in 29 countries. Jan 23, 2021 · The belief is that the bark of the Marula tree has medicinal properties, subsequently, widely used in traditional African medicine for ailments such as dysentery to rheumatism. Almost every part of the tree, from leaves, bark, wood, roots and fruit has some use. ) is a multipurpose deciduous African tree that produces prized juicy fruits, seeds rich in oil and protein. The Marula is a botanical landmark on Ghaub. The patient has to go to the marula tree and hit their cheek on the tree while saying ‘zagiga, zagiga ngiyeke’ (‘go away mumps’) three times. Jul 5, 2024 · The fruit and bark of the tree have many popular uses, including medicinal uses. Its natural habitat stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia in the north; southward to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa; and eastward to Namibia, Angola, and the southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Chirwa & Akinnifesi, 2008; Nghitoolwa, Hall, & Sinclair, 2003). The wood of the tree is soft and used for carving. 4 m), up to 120 cm in diameter. Jul 14, 2022 · The skin from the fruit can be boiled to make a drink, or burnt to be used as a substitute for coffee. Oct 2, 2024 · Description: S. Umganu (marula) is a tree used by the Zulu people specifically for the traditional healing of mumps (uzagiga). The Zulu people, for example, use stem bark to treat dysentery, diarrhoea, and infections like gangrenous rectitis, while the Venda people use it to address fever, stomach ailments, and ulcers. This fact contributes to the belief among the Venda that bark infusions can be used to determine the gender of an unborn child. Marula tree grow and care – tree of the genus Sclerocarya also known as Amarula plant or as Sclerocarya birrea, Marula tree perennial evergreen to semi-deciduous plant, used for the edible fruits and seeds, also used as ornamental plant can be shade tree or grow as bonsai and can be drought tollerant, grow in desert, mediterranean or subtropical climate and growing in hardiness zone 10-12. birrea ssp. Jul 11, 2019 · Sclerocarya birrea or marula tree or Nunu or Danya (Hausa): A plant with nutritional values and medicinal uses. The Marula tree is visually striking with a gnarled, twisted trunk and spreading branches that can create a large, shady canopy. Uses: The Marula tree is grown worldwide and is invaluable to millions of people in parts of Asia, Europe and America. With its diverse range of uses, the Marula tree continues to be a vital part of the fabric of African life. Mar 30, 2022 · Plant Description. The oil extracted from the marula seeds was historically used for skin protection against the harsh African sun, as well as for its nutritional benefits when consumed. The inner bark of the marula tree can be used to take the sting away from a rash, by pressing the bark onto your skin and rubbing it along the Origins | The Tree | The Fruit | The Nut | The Kernel Each marula fruit yields a nut stone, a hard, light brown, smooth oval-shape containing 2 to 3 embryos 1 to 1. Read More. While the average fruit volumes per tree are just below half a ton, fruit fall of 1 to 3 tons below massive marula trees have been reported in just one season. [3] Extracts of the species is used in traditional human and veterinary medical practices. Apr 22, 2025 · Native to Southern Africa, the Marula tree (Sclerocarya Birrea) is a powerhouse of wellness, widely celebrated for its medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic benefits. The wood is soft and can be used for lovely art carvings and to make “mokoros” (dugout canoes). Its fruit, seeds, and leaves have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties and culinary versatility. The history of the marula tree goes back thousands of years. Various parts of the marula tree are used as ingredients in food and traditional medicine. The multipurpose marula tree has a long history of traditional use, especially in North-central Namibia. The fruit pulp is the main ingredient in the popular 'Amarula Cream' liqueur and used to produce home-brewed beer, while the kernel oil is in demand in the pharmaceutical and Sep 14, 2023 · Botswana’s national tree is the marula (morula) while her national flower is the devil’s claw (sengaparile). In the Pomongwe Cave in Zimbabwe, it is estimated that 24 million marula fruits were eaten. Apr 1, 2025 · Sclerocarya birrea, commonly known as Marula, is a deciduous tree with a height ranging from 7 m to 18 m. The Management, Use and Commercialisation of Marula: Policy Feb 11, 2019 · Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) is a widespread species distributed throughout the semiarid savannas of much of sub-Saharan Africa. [1] More specifically, this oil comes from the nut of the fruit of the marula tree. A light brown dye is made from the tree too, to colour traditional wares. Marula beer is one of the favorite benefits of this tart fruit. The fruit is high in protein and vitamin C. On Ghaub it is used to produce a wide variety of farm products. com Oct 15, 2011 · Marula is a medium sized tree belonging to the Brachystegia genus. Marula (Sclerocarya birrea, A. Sclerocarya birrea is a savannah tree, belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Most farmers harvest fruits at ripe stage by picking from the ground. Rural communities have a high regard for the marula tree, and so it is not used for firewood and other purposes. Utilization of Marula has been a major income generation for smallholder farmers through selling of Marula juice, nuts and butter. Marula fruit is sometimes used as a natural dye for fabrics and clothing. Rich) is an underutilized wild edible fruit tree species that grows naturally across large parts of sub-Saharan Africa. patreon. The marula tree grows in semi- and dry areas and belongs to the Anacardiaceae family (Mkungunugwa et al. Marula in Modern Uses. youtube. 🔔: Support our Work on Patreon https://www. Sep 10, 2024 · The marula tree is a treasure trove of natural goodness. The fruits of this tree are the main source for “Amarula Cream Liqueur” and other alcoholic beverages. ABSTRACT. Mar 21, 2025 · The marula tree has deep cultural roots, often referred to as the “Tree of Life. The person who has mumps has to go to this tree and hit the cheek on the tree, while they do that the person needs to say, “Zagiga, zagiga Native to Southern Africa, the Marula tree (Sclerocarya Birrea) is a powerhouse of wellness, widely celebrated for its medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic benefits. Sep 1, 2006 · The Marula is prolific in the production of fruit, for which it yields diverse uses within households, social and cultural ceremonies, and in industrial manufacturing. 1. The nuts hold the magic of marula: the kernel. Sclerocarya birrea (Ancient Greek: σκληρός sklērós , meaning "hard", and κάρυον káryon , "nut", in reference to the stone inside the fleshy fruit), commonly known as the marula, is a medium-sized deciduous fruit-bearing tree See full list on healthline. Beloved in cosmetology for its marula oil, this tree is simple to cultivate and supports diverse wildlife. Few farmers harvest Marula fruits from the tree. Yet, many people might not realize that Marula is considered a very important medicinal plant by the indigenous people of Southern Africa. caffra (Sond. wbyfhm yikdy zcwve tpi ckfg xddjazn zhr whmfa hotmrq jzvfx