Marula Fruit Live Plant (Sclerocarya birrea)

The medium-sized marula, scientific name Sclerocarya birrea, is a native of the savanna woods of East Africa, Madagascar, the Sudano-Sahelian region, and the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa. It has a maximum height of 18 metres. They flourish in several kinds of forests with sandy loam soils. From September to November, they produce flowers, and from January to March, they bear fruit. Fruits that are particularly high in vitamin C and can be eaten Both the fruit and the nut are abundant in vitamins and minerals. The Marula fruit is the size of a small plum, highly juicy, and aromatic. It can be eaten raw, and the meat is incredibly high in vitamin C. The completely mature fruits can be cooked to make jam, juices, and alcoholic beverages. They have a mucilaginous texture and a delightfully acidic but agreeable taste. Marula is a beloved African veld tree best known for being the fruit that, when thrown to the ground and mildly fermented, “drives elephants wild.” Although occasionally trees will exhibit flowers of both sexes, the tree is a dioecious species. Typically, if fruit and seed are needed, both the male and female forms must be cultivated.

Common Name: Jelly plum, cat thorn, morula, cider tree, marula, maroola nut/plum, and in Afrikaans, maroela.

Botanical Name: Sclerocarya birrea

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate