Marula tree in the savannah Tall marula tree in the African savannah under blue skies. 3. The bark of the tree has medicinal properties and is used widely in treating dysentery and diarrhoea, rheumatism, insect bites and a variety of other ailments. Because the Marula fruit ferments so quickly, there are three different kinds of Marula beer, each made a day apart to get different alcohol percentages and tastes. It is single-stemmed with a dense, spreading crown and deciduous foliage. You’ll find them in miombo woodland areas, the most famous of which is the Greater Kruger, one of Africa’s ultimate safari destinations. The skin of the marula fruit is incredibly high in vitamin C, at eight times more than an orange. The fruits of this tree are the main source for “Amarula Cream Liqueur” and other alcoholic beverages. The tree bears its fruit from January through to March and bears approximately 500kg of fruit every year. A decent consolation prize, we think. With its single-stem trunk and wide-spreading crown, the tree grows between 9 and 18 meters tall and bears the coveted Marula fruit that only grows for a short window in the year. The green marula fruit is the size of a small plum, and very juicy and flavourful. Marula is a medium sized tree belonging to the Brachystegia genus. Marula fruit is incredibly high in vitamin C, containing eight times more of it than an orange. It is also cooked and used to produce juices, jams and alcoholic drinks. Fascinatingly enough, only the female trees bears fruits, while the male tree displays flower. And the narrator makes us all believe that the Marula fruit is nature’s own liquor, and a local favorite amongst these deviant animals. Evidence shows that the Marula fruit was a very important part of the diet of ancient peoples in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. It allows the Marula tree to reduce harmful mutations. Looking for a quick escape from the bustling streets of Johannesburg? It is then delivered to processing plants where everything, including the fruit pulp, pips, kernels and kernel oil are extracted from the fruit. It has the lowest alcohol percentage, and it is sweet and tasty. We estimate that this is a typical size and shape that one can expect a Marula tree to achieve in a garden setting with ideal soil and water availability. Preliminary tests show weak pharmalogical activity relative to hypertension, anti-inflammation and painkilling. Only the female tree can bear fruit. Like these plants, parts of the marula are also edible. The fruit is cooked until the water changes colour and is then removed. Needless to say, this special tree has deep roots in the continent and not only features in countless African fables, but its fruit also offers a range of uses that go beyond it simply providing a tasty snack. Marula fruit are normally processed and conserved into various product forms (e.g. African Animals Getting Drunk From Ripe Marula Fruit - YouTube We’ll explore the many reasons why this is such an important and beloved fruit in Africa, and why the rest of the world should adopt it as their own. marula tree stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images The tree closely resembles the “tree of life,” made popular by the movie The Lion King. Essence from the leaves is said to provide a remedy for abscesses, spider bites and burns. A 3-day ... For those wanting to make a quick escape into the wilderness, a two-day safari from Johannesburg to ... Marula Fruit: All you Need to Know About Africa’s Favorite Fruit, African Safari Vacations – All Inclusive Vacation of Your Dreams, Botswana Safari – An Authentic Wildlife Experience, South Africa Safari – Travel, Tour and Package Guide, Tanzania Safari – Planning Your Tours and Expeditions, Safari in Rwanda: The Hidden Safari Treasure, Kenya Safari – All You Need To Know About Safaris In Kenya, Elephant Safari in Africa | Where to See African Elephants, Kenya Safari Holidays 2021 (Tips, Tours, Guides & Options), Camp Kuzuma Review – Everything You Need to Know, Honeymoon in Africa | Top Romantic Safari Destinations, Top 5 Madagascar Destinations & Things To Do While You’re There, Kruger National Park | Accommodation | Safari | Wildlife, How To Choose The Right Africa Travel Company, Namibian Food: What to Try When you Visit Namibia, What Sound Does a Buffalo Make? It is characterized by a grey mottled bark. See them on an elephant safari to take in their majestic and often amusing antics. Folk medicine uses the roots, bark, and leaves of the tree to cure a number of illnesses. The skin of the marula fruit is incredibly high in vitamin C, at eight times more than an orange. CURIOSITY. Not only does it feature in countless African fables, but its fruit also offers a range of uses that go beyond it simply providing a tasty snack – truly one of Africa’ botanical treasures. Even the green leaves are eaten to relieve heartburn. The making of this beer is a much appreciated skill set, and each batch can taste different, depending on which trees it was harvested from, the age (in days, not years), and the technique of the woman who makes it. Fruit Trees > Subtropical Fruit Trees > Marula. Reason enough for some! The tree is protected in South Africa. It is single-stemmed with a dense, spreading crown and deciduous foliage. It is, of course, the strongest, and only for the brave. Unlike other traditional trees, the marula fruits fall off while they are still hard and green. They bloom from September to November and then bear edible fruit between January and March. The Marula tree grows up to 18m (59 feet) tall. Marula Tree Fruit. The animals then proceed to stagger and behave like drunkards. The fruit from the Marula tree taste like a caramel flavored alcohol that the wild animals love to eat.You can buy distilled Marula Tree liqueur (17% alcohol) from a … 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. Giraffes, warthogs, elephants, kudus, and waterbucks all enjoy the leaves and fruit of the tree. These fruits have a socio-economic importance to many people groups, from Kwazulu-Natal to Ethiopia. 4. Marula wood has been traditionally used for carving pestles and mortars, bowls, drums, beehives and stools and even canoes in some areas. Fruit is very juicy and aromatic and is the size of a small plum. There is a very entertaining bit of folklore based on the Marula fruit. All About the Marula Fruit. About 6% of all flowering plants have this characteristic. Also, the fruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals and protein for human beings and animals alike. The Marula tree grows in South Africa. Most well known for its fruits that ‘drive elephants mad’ when dropped to the ground and lightly fermented, marula is a much-loved tree in the veld in Africa. The tree produces bark, fruit, roots, and seeds that are used in a number of applications. The marula fruit, which ripens from January to March, is the size of a small plum, and has 4 times more Vitamin C than an orange. There are male and female trees, each with their own type of flowers. The third and final day’s beer is called Lutanda. Also, animals spread the scope of this tree by eating the tasty fruits and then defecating the seeds. The marula is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree with an erect trunk and rounded crown. Marula fruit comes from medium sized tree that belongs to Brachystegia genus. The Marula bears small round shaped fruit; (green in colour when unripe) that ripens to a yellow colour and can be harvested by being collected from the ground from January to March. Also, it provides some very necessary income to the women who make and sell it. The Marula fruit has a number of unusual traits and uses. A mature tree can yield up to 500kg of fruit in a year. This tree is mainly found in Miombo Woodlands in different regions of Africa. So there’s a beer for every taste! While the fruit does indeed ferment quickly, the elephants would need to eat a huge amount of the fermented Marulas, and it’s unlikely that they ever do this. But elephants don’t need alcohol to be entertaining. It’s a tree native to Southern Africa, and is used in the fermentation of the national liqueur of South Africa called Amarula – a milky liqueur similar to Bailey’s Irish Cream, but it does have its own unique taste.I quite like it. The marula fruit tree (Sclerocarya birrea) is native to parts of southern Africa.The trees grow wild and were once rare, but are now cultivated. Well, you might be astounded to know that in Swaziland alone, there are about 2 million Marula Trees and, on average, a mature tree can produce up to 500kg of fruit a year. Of course, the picture of drunk wild animals staggering about and behaving uncharacteristically (but very recognisably for those of us who have enjoyed a bit too much) is very funny. Not only the fruit, but also the nut, are rich in minerals and vitamins. The fruit and bark of the tree has many popular uses, including medicinal uses.. The fruit is harvested off of their communal land by members of the community. Jamie Uys made the story popular (originally stemming from Zulu folklore) in his 1974 documentary “Beautiful People”. The story of elephants eating marula fruit, and getting absolutely hammered, was first heard in the early 1800s however, this theory has sadly since been put to rest – sorry if you were hoping to catch an elephant in a drunken daze. It then ferments on the ground for a while before being eaten by wild animals, like elephants, giraffes, baboons and warthogs. Dans le film de Jamie Uys Animals Are Beautiful People (en) , sorti en 1974, des scènes montrent des éléphants, des autruches, des phacochères et des singes saouls après avoir consommé des fruits fermentés. The tree is indigenous to Southern Africa. The fruit of the marula tree is very popular and sought after. It is one of the plants that played a role in feeding people in ancient times. The fruit is eaten fresh or processed into drinks and jams. Le fruit du marula est mangé par de nombreux animaux dans le sud de l'Afrique. Marula beer is one of the favorite benefits of this tart fruit. These days, planning a trip is relatively simple. It will reach this size in about 30 years. The Marula tree is also known as: • The king of African trees because it is resistant to drought and every part has been used by indigenous people for thousands of years. This vast area is home to the Sclerocarya Birrea, also known as the marula tree. The first day’s Marula beer is called Tuvhu. (Plus More Interesting Info), The Benefits and Uses of the Marula Fruit, Cheetah vs Leopard(Battle Of The Big Cats), Fascinating Elephant Sounds And What They Mean, Victoria Falls in July | The Best Victoria Falls Tours for 2020/2021. Whether or not the Marula holds entertainment value in getting animals drunk, we are still a big fan of this little fruit. It is native to many African countries including South Africa, Malawi, Namibia, Niger, Botswana, Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola and a few more. jams, juice, flavoured water, sweets, essential oils, traditional beer and world exported beverages such as Amarula Cream) which are readily available in the market. It is certainly a South African favorite for a reason. Marula trees belong to the family Anacardiaceae, and are related to mangoes, pistachios, and cashews. The tree grows well between 769 to 921m in elevation, and occurs in semi-arid to sub humid portions of Africa. And long before Amarula Cream became one of South Africa’s best exports, rural women were making “buganu”. Interestingly, Marula trees are gendered. During colonial times it was even used for tomato boxes and toilet seats. It is then stored for processing throughout the year and used for various purposes, including other alcoholic drinks, and cosmetics. The marula tree is indigenous to the miombo woodlands of southern Africa. So if you’ve ever wondered what the animals are after, give it a go. In 1951, the Controller of Timber in South Africa passed Proclamation 257 declaring S. While the fruit is prolific and the tree widely available, all efforts are made to ensure that the product we bring to you is environmentally friendly and. Or even more idyllically, enjoy it on a ‘safari drives’ with the elephants. The marula tree, along with the delicious marula fruit it bears, has a long history with Africa, one that dates as far back as 10,000 BC. It may be eaten fresh and the flesh has an extremely high vitamin C content. It was spread further into West Africa and Madagascar by bantu tribes. The size of the Marula tree icon, when measured against a 1.8m tall person, is about 10m high and 12m diameter. There is even legend that a woman can take bark from the male or female tree. The tree is usually found in Miombo Woodlands in different regions of Africa, while its fruit is being used for “Amarula Cream Liqueur” and several alcoholic beverages. The Marula fruit is a good source of income for struggling rural communities, beyond the beer. The tall marula tree bears up to 500 kilograms of fruit annually. The nutritious little fruit is the size of a small plum, but it packs a punch. Marula beer is very popular in rural Southern African populations. It is high in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh. As it is women who are the creators of this wonderous beer, they are also the main benefactors. However, the tale is unfortunately untrue. It may also be cooked to produce jam, juices and alcoholic beverages. For years the tree’s fruit has been used to … South African’s also call it, the Elephant Tree or Marriage Tree. Clearly, this is no ordinary grocery store classic. Marula tree plant it in the spring need female and male to bear fruit, doesn’t need a lot of water, grow fast and need full sun. Legends abound on the multiple uses of the tree, the bark, the leaves, fruit, nut and kernels. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees, the flowers of male plants producing pollen and the female flowers producing the fruit for which the tree is so well known. GOOD NIGHT: FRUITS OF BOTSWANA - MORULA Morula or Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) is a fruit bearing tree indigenous to Botswana and other parts of Africa. The nut in the centre is also high in protein. The nut in the centre is also high in protein. Popularly known as the fruit that gets elephants and humans drunk, we can see why it would be a fan favorite. The fruit are collected, washed and cut open and the nut removed. Fascinatingly enough, only the female trees bears fruits, while the male tree displays flower. The scientific name of the Marula fruit tree is Sclerocarya Birrea. It is a deciduous tree belonging to the same family as cashew, mango and pistachio. Marula prune only branches that grow down, the season to prune it’s autumn to winter. In fact, it is believed by some to increase the male sex drive. Look no further. This means that they cannot self-fertilize, they have to be fertilized by the pollen of the opposite gender. The second day’s beer is Neshana, and it’s alcohol percentage is higher, while the taste is less sweet, more sour. This fruit has socio-economic importance within communities, and it provides a much needed source of income for those who most need it. The Marula Tree. The footage showed elephants and various other animals gorging themselves on the fruit at the foot of a Marula tree. The Marula tree is then able to stay healthy through the ways that it has adapted and evolved to survive. Marula fruit ripens from January to April when the ripe fruit falls to the ground. They are edible and are very high in vitamin C (levels up to four times higher than an orange). The fruit flesh is soft, whitish, and contains fibers. The marula tree produces the legendary marula fruit which is used to make liquor and is also enjoyed by many African animals including elephants. It is delicious eaten fresh, or may be cooked to produce jams, juices, or alcoholic beverages. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They took the fruit with them when they migrated, because it is such a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The marula tree is one of Namibia’s most versatile and thus important indigenous trees. It also has wide-spread branches, and the fruits ripen between December and March, the summer months of Southern Africa. Marula season is a time of festivity … Marula is a medium to large tree, usually 9 metres tall, but can grow up to 18 metres. The marula is an erect tree that reaches heights of 15 m. Male and female flowers occur separately, and although they are usually on separate trees, this is not always so. The fruit has different color, as they are in … Marula Tree and Fruit – Drunken Elephant Time? Also, the other animals that favor this fruit generally eat it fresh and ripe off the branches, instead of rotting on the ground. The story goes that the ripe fruit falls from the branches of the Marula tree. Many parts of the tree are used in traditional medicinal remedies. The Marula tree has a long history with Africa and Africans, dating as far back as 10,000 BC. Unfortunately, none of this is true, as the producers of this documentary actually soaked the fruit in alcohol before filming, causing the animals to get drunk and behave abnormally. Marula trees (Sclerocarya birrea is their scientific name) are widespread across Southern Africa. Amarula (and more recently, one or two lesser known brands) is a cream based Marula liqueur, similar to the popular Irish brand, Bailey’s. The scientific name of the Marula fruit tree is Sclerocarya Birrea. Wonderful fertilizer to start out a seed’s chances at life. So perhaps we all want to believe this tale of debauchery . The fruit form varies from almost spherical to oval with a tough, strong skin, which is light yellow when ripe. The fermented fruit might not inebriate animals like we thought , but it is used not only to make traditional beer, but also to create a delicious liqueur for humans. Introduction of Marula Fruit Scientific name - Sclerocarya birrea 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. Fruit of the Marula Tree (Scelerocarya birrea). The nutritious little fruit is the size of a small plum, but it packs a punch. Where they are found The marula tree can be found in South Africa in Mpumalanga’s Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. 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