Marula
Sclerocarya birrea
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Description
The Marula tree, native to the Miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its resilience and adaptability to arid environments. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, it serves as a keystone species, providing shade, habitat, and food for a variety of wildlife, including elephants and birds. The tree is integral to food forest systems, often forming the canopy layer. Marula is traditionally used by indigenous communities for its fruit, which is rich in vitamin C and can be consumed fresh or processed into beverages, jams, and traditional alcoholic drinks. The tree's presence enhances biodiversity and soil health, and it is often planted alongside nitrogen-fixing species like Acacia to improve soil fertility.
Growing Details
Marula trees prefer well-drained sandy loam soils and full sun exposure. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like Acacia can enhance soil nitrogen levels. Avoid overwatering, as Marula is drought-tolerant once established. Harvest fruit when it naturally falls to the ground, and store in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Edible Parts
Fruit
Seed
Oil
Tags
Keystone Specie
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
High Protein
Oil
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Sclerocarya birrea</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Southern Africa, particularly in th
applicable geo region: Africa
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of September for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of January for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of October
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: The fruit of the Marula tree is highly valued for its sweet and tangy flavor. It can be eaten fresh or processed into juices, traditional alcoholic beverages like Amarula, and jams. The kernels inside the seeds are also edible and can be consumed raw or roasted. The fruit is typically harvested in the late summer months when it falls to the ground.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Marula has been traditionally used in African medicine to treat digestive disorders and skin conditions. The oil extracted from the seeds is rich in antioxidants and is used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. It is also used to treat sunburn and dry skin. Caution is advised as the oil should be used externally.
health concerns:
other uses: The wood of the Marula tree is used for carving and making utensils. The bark can be used to produce a dye, and the oil extracted from the seeds is used in cosmetics. The tree also serves as a windbreak and helps in erosion prevention.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Sclerocarya birrea
common names: Marula; Jelly Plum; Cider Tree
family: Anacardiaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Sclerocarya
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 7.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 18.0 m
max width: 15.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Dioecious
growth details: Marula trees prefer well-drained sandy loam soils and full sun exposure. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like Acacia can enhance soil nitrogen levels. Avoid overwatering, as Marula is drought-tolerant once established. Harvest fruit when it naturally falls to the ground, and store in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include fruit flies and beetles. Introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps to control fruit fly populations. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Use neem oil as an organic spray to manage beetle infestations.
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