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(Sclerocarya birrea)
Marula (Sclerocarya birrea)
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Nicolas Raymond from Bethesda, Maryland, USA
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Nicolas Raymond from Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nicolas Raymond from Bethesda, Maryland, USA | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: CFCF | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Kruger_Park_Scenery_-_HDR_(7645852578).jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=''[[:en::Scutellaria ovata|Scutellaria ovata]]'', Maples State Natural Area|Lost Maples State Natural Area]], [[:en:Bandera County, Texas|Bandera County, Texas]].}} |Source={{own}} |Date=2019-
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Sclerocarya birrea, commonly known as Marula, is a deciduous tree native to the open woodlands and dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. It typically grows to a height of up to 18 meters with a wide-spreading crown that provides significant shade. The Marula tree is characterized by its thick, grey mottled bark and has a distinctive form with a single, stout trunk. The tree is well-known for its fruits, which have a light yellow skin and white, succulent flesh that is tart with a strong, distinctive flavor. These fruits are rich in vitamin C and fall to the ground while still green and unripe, ripening to a yellow color on the ground between December and March. Marula trees are dioecious, with separate male and female trees, which is important for pollination and fruit production.
The Marula tree is valued for its edible fruits, which are used to make the famous Amarula liqueur, and for its oil-rich kernels. The tree is also culturally significant in many African societies. In cultivation, it is used for shade and as an ornamental tree in large landscapes. Marula prefers full sun and can tolerate drought conditions, making it suitable for areas with low to medium water availability. It thrives in soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as scales and moths, which may require management. The tree’s non-aggressive root system makes it a good choice for urban planting without the risk of damaging infrastructure.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Marula tree is valued for its edible fruits, which are used to make the famous Amarula liqueur, and for its oil-rich kernels. The tree is also culturally significant in many African societies. In cultivation, it is used for shade and as an ornamental tree in large landscapes. Marula prefers full sun and can tolerate drought conditions, making it suitable for areas with low to medium water availability. It thrives in soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as scales and moths, which may require management. The tree’s non-aggressive root system makes it a good choice for urban planting without the risk of damaging infrastructure.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-40 feet
- Width: 15-25 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to the open woodlands and dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Kamukungu, Kani, Muonga, Mwongo
Scientific Names: , Sclerocarya birrea, Sclerocarya birrea var. multifoliolata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst.