Marula tree bark benefits Smallholder farmers also harvest tree bark and branches for several uses. 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 Marula trunk Female flowers Green marula fruit Sapling with distinctive emarginate leaflets with toothed margins, features not present in adult plants. caffra (Sond. Marula plant extracts are versatile and effective, from boosting immunity to enhancing skincare . As we explore the next section, we will delve into the environmental benefits that Marula brings to its ecosystem. Special topic blogs are written by Bushwise students during their course, and all facts included are based on their research. a preparation of the powdered bark from the male tree is taken for a male child. The Marula fruit is round, initially green, and turns golden-yellow as it ripens. As we bring marula oil into our modern wellness routines, we honor this rich heritage and recognize the benefits it offers for skin health, hydration, and nourishment. Marula oil, extracted from the fruit's seeds, is a popular ingredient in skincare products. It is full of tannins and can be used to tan animal hides and as a fabric dye. If a woman wants a son, the male tree is used; a daughter, the female tree. Nov 23, 2024 · The economic benefits of Marula extend beyond individual families, contributing to community development and sustainability. Marula fruits can be eaten fresh, squeezed to make juice, brewed in traditional beer or used to Pregnant women use the bark of the respective species to determine the gender of their unborn babies - e. [ Citation 34 ] The outermost layer of the trunk is coarse with a pale gray color whereas its inner layer is either red, pink or yellowish with darker lines. Elixir 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 moist inner bark has antihistaminic properties against insect bites and hairy caterpillar burns. Marula Tree Interesting Facts Marula trees are dioecious, meaning they have either male or female genders. ) Hochst. Jan 23, 2021 · This brings to life the belief by the people of Venda. 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. Once you’ve completed your training at Bushwise Field Guides and are a fully qualified field guide, you will be responsible for the 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 prolific fruit producing-trees in Africa. The Management, Use and Commercialisation of Marula: Policy Jun 23, 2022 · Almost all the marula tree parts; the bark, fruits, nuts, leaves and . C. It bears inconspicuous red and yellow flowers from September to November. It has large compound leaves crowded at the ends of the branches. Set apart by a grey mottled bark, with a wide scattering crown, this single stemmed tree grows up to 18m tall mostly in low altitudes and open woodlands. It has been introduced into Australia, and is also being grown as an experimental crop in Israel. Description. Archeological proof demonstrates the marula tree was a wellspring of nutrition as long as prior as 10,000 years B. One way for you to know the difference between the male and female marula tree is during its fruit bearing season the male tree only bears flowers and the female tree bears fruit. 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. However, as of 2021, the tree is not widely cultivated and remains underutilized. Read time: 3 minsAn African sunset, sipping on an Amarula liqueur somewhere in the beautiful breathtaking bush on a game reserve in South Africa. Apr 1, 2025 · The marula tree grows in semi- and dry areas and belongs to the Anacardiaceae family (Mkungunugwa et al. international market for the oil with increased benefits for all The bark and wood from the marula tree also have a number of uses For example traditional healers use the bark for medicinal purposes Sometimes on old tree branches parasitic mistletoe* causes special outgrowths to sprout and these 'woodroses' are used as APPEARANCE: They are deciduous trees that can grow up to 18m tall. May 11, 2012 · Abstract. Elephants love the fruit but it is good for humans too! Marula, often overlooked, holds remarkable health benefits, says Kulani Mtileni, the founder of Dietitians24 in Polokwane, Limpopo. The marula fruit contains one seed that includes 1 to 4 edible kernels. The tree’s leaves, bark, and roots are used traditionally for various treatments. () [Citation 34, Citation 35] Almost all the marula tree parts; the bark, fruits, nuts, leaves and stem are vital and their uses varies with various locations and tribes. Elephants distribute marula seeds in their dung. With a clear understanding of the edible parts of the marula, you can now explore the best harvesting techniques to enjoy this unique fruit. The inner bark of the tree may be used to produce a rope of a fair quality. They believe that an infusion of the marula trees’ bark can help determine the gender of an unborn child. Nov 14, 2024 · The Marula Tree is a medium-sized tree native to Africa, known for its ecological importance, durable wood, and vitamin-rich fruit, which benefits both wildlife and humans. Aug 4, 2023 · Marula fruit is the oval-shaped, nutrient-rich drupe that grows on marula trees, native to Africa. ORIGIN OF MARULA FRUIT The marula trees found in the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, the Sudano-Sahelian range of West Africa, the savanna woodlands of East Africa and Madagascar. The bark is used to influence the sex of the expected child. Oct 25, 2022 · For thousands of years, Southern African communities have used the bark, leaves, fruit and kernels of the marula tree for their medicinal and nutritional properties. subsp. , 2007). youtube. The inner bark is used to make a pink/brown dye. Mar 31, 2017 · Marula oil consists of good amount of linoleic acid that is an omega-6 essential fatty acid as well as omega oleic acid. The tree is highly valued for its multiple uses, with the fruit, bark, and leaves used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Nov 23, 2024 · The bark of the marula tree is not edible and may contain harmful compounds. It is a leafy tree with wide-spread branches, and the fruits ripen between December and March Dec 27, 2024 · Growing a Marula tree starts best with well-drained, sandy-loam soil in full sunlight. 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 Sclerocarya birrea, commonly known as the Marula is a medium-sized dioecious tree, native to the Miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, the Sudano-Sahelian range of West Africa, and Madagascar. Marula fruit is rich in vitamin C, containing eight times more than an orange. Sclerocarya birrea is a savannah tree, belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) fruit is one of the underutilised indigenous fruits that grows naturally across the northern and eastern regions of Southern Africa. As time passes, the hope is for the tree to continue being conserved for the benefit of future generations. The tree grows near the river but it can also be re-planted. Feb 18, 2025 · It has also been found in vivo that aqueous, methanolic, and hexane extracts from marula bark and stem (10–1000 mg/mL) did not demonstrate toxic potential against brine shrimp (McGaw et al. The patient has to go to the marula tree and Feb 24, 2025 · Beyond its dermatological applications, marula has been traditionally used to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders. The marula tree is a medium to large-sized tree with cosmetic, economic and pharmacological benefits as well as being used as a dietary component in many indigenous populations. Roots and bark are also used as laxatives. 00. The common English name is Marula or cider tree, and is commonly known in Umganu (marula tree) is a tree used by African people especially the Zulus. The bark is used to treat backache and infertility. Marula is well known for its multiple potential uses, including animal feeding, and it could be valuable in agroforestry systems. Marula is also known by other names such as Elephant tree, Jelly plum, and Marula plum. One can usually spot the trees by the gathering of animals. The fruit’s skin, teeming with twenty-nine yeasts, gives it unique alcoholic properties. From “what is a marula tree?” to “are African animals getting drunk from ripe marula fruit?” Whatever the question, we’ve got you covered on all things marula. The marula tree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which is the same family as the mango. 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. Once you’ve completed your training at Bushwise Field Guides and are a fully qualified field guide, you will be responsible for the Jul 29, 2022 · BY: Megan ColborneAs a field guide, you need to be prepared for every type of question. If a woman desires a baby boy, an infusion from the bark of the male tree is given. It has an inedible pit at the center. Sep 5, 2024 · The medicinal benefits of marula extend beyond its fruit. Jul 5, 2024 · It allows the Marula tree to reduce harmful mutations. The tree grows well between 769 to 921m in elevation, and occurs in semi-arid to sub humid portions of Africa. Legends abound on the multiple uses of the tree, the bark, the leaves, fruit, nut and kernels. About the size of a small plum, this fruit has a tart, tangy-sweet taste and cream-colored flesh. stem are vital and their uses varies with various locations and tribes. Most well known as the fruit that 'drives elephants mad' when dropped to the ground and lightly fermented, marula is a much-loved tree in the veld in Africa. , 2023). Aug 11, 2017 · Marula trees are dioecious, i. Where does marula fruit come from? Marula trees are indigenous to sub-Saharan regions of Africa. When one does see Marula trees being cut down, it is a clear indication that a community is under pressure. , they have a gender. Aug 4, 2016 · Besides mukumbi, which my grandmother enjoys up to this day, the marula fruit has been used to make other liquors such as the popular Amarula cream cherished by many. 🔔: Support our Work on Patreon https://www. The bark is widely used medicinally to treat diarrhoea, diabetes, fever and malaria, and the roots are used to treat sore eyes. Marula wood has been traditionally used for carving pestles and mortars, bowls, drums, beehives and stools and even canoes in some areas. Fresh or dried mapfura fruits are a delicacy with many health benefits. The Venda believe that the bark can be used to tell the gender of an unborn child. com/channel/UCaOU-9jYx6WSPs17BZbUwFQ?sub_ Mar 21, 2025 · Local communities have traditionally utilized every part of the marula tree, from its bark to its leaves, showcasing its multifaceted importance. The Marula tree grows up to 18m (59 feet) tall. The bark taken from the male or female tree gives birth in the birth of a child of the same sex. OTHER NAMES OF MARULA FRUIT Marula tree has been classified as a multipurpose tree and very important to smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid areas. heaviness and soothing inflammation . The Venda believe bark infusions can determine the sex of an unborn child. e. Bark infusions of a male tree is taken by a pregnant woman if she wants a son, and from the female tree is she wishes for a daughter. Uses: The Marula tree is grown worldwide and is invaluable to millions of people in parts of Asia, Europe and America. patreon. , 2021). It is characterized by a grey mottled bark. Plant large cuttings from mature trees during the warm season, ensuring the cutting is at least 30cm long with multiple healthy buds 1. Read More. It is mainly used for traditional healing of mumps (uzagiga). It has a broad canopy and thick gray to brown bark. A search on Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of The damaged bark, due to browsing, can be used to identify marula trees as elephants preferentially target them. 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 Fascinatingly enough, only the female trees bears fruits, while the male tree displays flower. If she’d like a baby girl, an infusion from the female tree is given. Marula is a prolific bearer. 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 Sclerocarya birrea is a fairly hardy, medium to large, deciduous tree with a rounded crown and beautiful mottled bark. . Used for centuries in traditional African medicine, every part of the Marula tree (be it fruit, bark, leaves, and oil) offers potent healing properties. The Marula fruit is scientifically called as Sclerocarya birrea. The inner bark can also be used to make a rope. com/magrizamademecook Subscribe to MMMC: https://www. It is the oil from the Marula kernel that has come to give the Marula tree its spiritual Mar 30, 2022 · Bark is used both as treatment and a prophylaxis for malaria. Bark is said to cure dysentery, labor pains, and stomach-ache, constipation, snakebite, toothache, rheumatism and skin diseases. [34] The outermost layer of the . Don't waste any more time and money replacing dead or unsightly plants because they were not suitable for your region or garden style; or you weren’t sure how to grow them correctly - let us help you choose the right plants for your garden. [ 12 ] In the documentary Animals Are Beautiful People by Jamie Uys , released in 1974, some scenes portray elephants , ostriches , warthogs and baboons allegedly becoming intoxicated Dec 17, 2023 · Marula oil contains many impressive benefits such as revitalizing and hydrating the skin, preventing premature aging, reducing blemishes, fighting dandruff, stopping hair loss, improving heart health, protecting against chronic disease, helping with weight loss efforts. The fruit has a tart, tangy flavor, often compared to a mix of lychee and pear. The Marula tree is then able to stay healthy through the ways that it has adapted and evolved to survive. A drink made from marula leaves is used for the treatment of gonorrhoea. 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. Environmental Benefits 🌱 Soil Conservation. 6 month Membership R250. Mar 3, 2023 · The bark of the Marula tree is also beneficial. Few farmers harvest Marula fruits from the tree. Known for its succulent fruit and wide-reaching branches, the Marula tree is a cornerstone of the local ecosystem. 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. 12 Month Membership R400. Did you know? Feb 4, 2011 · Local communities in southern Africa derive many benefits from marula [Sclerocarya birrea (A. Space trees 12-15 meters apart to allow for their expansive canopy development and extensive root system. Sep 25, 2020 · Marula bark has even stronger properties that have been confirmed in the laboratory with medicinal properties in the bark that help lower blood sugar (Hypoglycaemic actions), useful for people to control sugar levels! The bark fascinatingly also has anti-plasmodium activity making its traditional uses to prevent and treat malaria credible. Marula trees are dioecious – the male and female trees are separate. Where does the Marula Tree grow naturally Sep 10, 2024 · The marula tree is a true African gem. The Marula tree plays a crucial role in soil conservation. Unfortunately as there is not Aug 15, 2023 · This blog about marula trees was written by Aldo Louw. Skin problems can be effectively treated with this gentle and nourishing oil. ) Kokwaro]. This might be the picture that pops into your mind when the name Oct 2, 2024 · The bark is used to make a decoction that is administered as enema to treat proctitis and diarrhoea, fever and malaria, and gonorrhoea. Leaves are chewed to help indigestion and to treat heartburn. The leaves are consumed in the form of tea and offer several health benefits, whereas the […] See full list on onlyfoods. Rich. The marula tree is dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female trees – the Venda believe that a preparation of powdered bark from a female tree will produce a baby girl, while that of a male tree will deliver a baby boy. The leaves are compound, glossy green, and the flowers appear in dense clusters, yellowish-white in color. The Marula tree is visually striking with a gnarled, twisted trunk and spreading branches that can create a large, shady canopy. These include the contribution of this species towards health, nutrition, food security and conservation by sharing local skills and knowledge related to it. Marula and its many parts such as oil and juice extracts, and bark among others are consumed in different ways. The leaves, stem bark, root and fruit are used extensively in food and traditional medicine. The review aimed to explore the reported biochemical, nutritional, and quality aspects of marula fruit and its value-added products for enhancement of human nutrition. Jul 14, 2022 · 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 rash. The leaves are used to make a relish, and the hard wood makes excellent kitchen utensils. Most farmers harvest fruits at ripe stage by picking from the ground. Umganu (marula) is a tree used by the Zulu people specifically for the traditional healing of mumps (uzagiga). But, if the infusion fails (a child of the opposite sex is born), then the child is designated as very special: he or he defied the spirits. The Marula tree also provides vital habitat for many species of birds, insects, and other animals, making it an essential part of the natural environment. This blog about marula trees was written by Aldo Louw. net Jul 11, 2019 · Health benefits of Sclerocarya birrea. Male and female flowers on separate Jul 9, 2024 · 1. 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. 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. Description: The Marula tree can grow up to 18 meters tall, with a wide-spreading crown The Marula tree is medium to large in size, reaching heights of 5 to 18 meters. Sometimes one finds a tree with a wound, probably caused by a traditional healer or someone who collected material for medicinal use. Marula oil, made from the seed kernel, can be used as a type of skin care oil. Health benefits Of african marula fruit Health Benefits of Marula Fruit. Marula is a deciduous, dioecious tree that can reach 9-12 m (occasionnally 18 m) in height. 3 Month Membership R150. In the former homeland of Venda it was a criminal offence to cut down a living tree of this species. The Marula tree is often called the "Elephant Tree" because elephants love to eat its fruit. Marula trees bear between 17,500 to 91,300 fruits annually, which translates to yields of 315 to 1 643 kg of marula fruits (Emesu et al. Martin Rust spoke to Magda du Toit about how his family is exploiting this multi-faceted resource, which occurs naturally on their farm in northern Namibia. Dec 15, 2019 · The historical backdrop of the Marula tree returns a large number of years. Determining Babies' Sex An infusion of the male or female trees' bark is believed to help determine the sex of an unborn child. It is not only highly effective in treating dry skin, but also in preventing and healing a variety of skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc. The Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea) The Marula tree is one of the most iconic and culturally significant trees in the Kruger National Park. g. Avoid ingesting it to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with this remarkable plant. Jul 29, 2022 · BY: Megan ColborneAs a field guide, you need to be prepared for every type of question. The marula tree is a single stemmed tree with a wide spreading crown. This might be the picture that pops into your mind when the name Jun 9, 2020 · Bark is often used for medicinal purposes and its wood can be used for making drums. There is a male and female marula tree (separate sex). However, Ojewole (2023) report that methanolic and aqueous marula bark-stem extracts (500 mg/kg) are safe in rats.
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