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our trees

Marula Tree -Sclerocarya birrea ssp. caffra
is an indigenous medium-sized to large deciduous tree, single
stemmed with a rounded crown; the bark is grey and young
twigs have spirally arranged composite leaves at their ends. It
has a short taproot and many lateral roots. Male and female flowers
are borne on separate trees and are dark red when young, turning pink, purple or white when
open. Flowering occurs from September to November, and fruiting from January to March.
The edible fruits and the multiple uses associated with almost all parts of the Marula, make it
one of southern Africa’s most valued trees. The fruits are plum-sized with a thick yellow peel
and translucent white flesh. Many are eaten fresh but most are processed into things such as
beverages, jams, and jellies. The flesh tastes tart, sweet and refreshing. The juice is nutritionally
important, containing as much as four times the vitamin C of orange juice. The kernels inside the stone that is
found at the center of the fruit are also eaten. They too have high nutritive value, and excep-
tional oil content. As long as the seeds remain dry, the nuts stay wholesome: neither fungi nor
insect are capable of penetrating the rock-hard shell. A decoction of the bark treats a variety
of ailments; a red-brown dye can be produced from the fresh skin of the bark; and a gum,
which is rich in tannin, is mixed with soot and used as ink. Marulas provide shade, shelter, and
can be used to make a living fence. This tree has a recognized commercial value and probably
undiscovered values too: one of my goats had a gallstone problem, and it recovered after a few
days of feeding it Marula fruits – as fruits are high in citric and ascorbic acid.
This tree grows easily from seed, it is fast-growing, but is very sensitive to frost. It is an
exceptionally drought resistant species, resistant to heat, harsh sunlight, and it tolerates
some of the most inhospitable terrain known to horticulture, including saline conditions.
Marula trees in general have few pests or diseases, but they are susceptible to termite attack.
Fruit-farmers keep these trees to attract pollinators to their farm in early spring. Flowers produce
nectar in quantity, making the tree an important resource for beekeepers. The honey is light-colored with
excellent flavour. It is also host to many species, such as the edible mopane caterpillar, and the
larval stage of the beautiful green African moth Argema mimosae ‘the African Moon moth’
mentioned in an earlier article, which feeds on marula leaves. There are many good reasons for
growing Marula in your garden, and it will definitely bear rewards for those who grow it.
Text & Photos: by S C

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