Marula Fruit Plant (Sclerocarya birrea)

Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) -

Botanical Name: Sclerocarya birrea

Common Names: Jelly Plum, Cat Thorn, Morula, Cider Tree, Marula, Maroola Nut/Plum (Afrikaans: Maroela)

General Information:

Medium-sized deciduous fruit tree.

Geographic Range: Indigenous to the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, the Sudano-Sahelian range of West Africa, savanna woodlands of East Africa, and Madagascar.

Height: Can reach a height of 18 meters.

Habitat: Grows on various types of woodlands on sandy loam soils.

Edible Parts: Fruits and nuts are edible. Fruits are very high in vitamin C.

Fruit Characteristics: Size of a small plum.Very juicy and aromatic.

Fully ripe fruits have a mucilaginous texture with a sweetly acid but pleasant taste.

Culinary Uses: Can be cooked to produce jam, juices, and alcoholic beverages.

Traditional Significance: Well-known as the fruit that 'drives elephants mad' when dropped to the ground and lightly fermented.

Nutritional Properties: Rich in vitamin C. Extracts have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, anticonvulsant, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties.

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate