Marula
This is a tree, from which you can take full advantage, because each of its parts contributes great elements, both the fruits it bears, as well as its roots, the sap and more, because it has been known for millions of years. ago, being used by Africans to a great extent and highly appreciated by them.
Scientifically this tree is called Sclerocarya birrea; This was previously known only by Africans, who gave it the corresponding uses, however, its great fame is recent, since it is currently being known internationally, as many have taken it upon themselves to make it useful and make the most of it.
As will be seen in detail in a following segment, this tree has various uses and benefits, mainly when it comes to medicines, since there are many remedies that have been taken from the properties of the Marula, not only in the present, but for thousands of years. years ago, through its fruits and oils, although many of these do not yet have the approval of the scientific guild, but until now it has worked for Africans.
Cosmetic beauty products have also been made. This tree does not occur in many territories due to the climate, the same thing that happens with the Redwood and that is why it is limited to a certain area, but the products derived from its parts could be exported for the benefit of the entire world community and Africans could obtain more benefit from this endemic plant of this territory.
Background
The first thing to mention in this segment is the fact that this tree comes from the African continent, its use in different elements has been going on for many years, professionals in the historical and archaeological area have discovered that this plant was used even by the years 9000 before Christ.
In addition, it bears fruits, which are similar in size to the plum that is currently known, which when ripe is yellow, inside it has enough pulp, which brings enough juice and has a smell, it has a seed that is brown, walnut-like.
The seeds are found within this pip, which usually do not exceed three seeds, and it is from these that the oil of this plant comes, which will be given greater detail in later segments. Likewise, it is a fruit that has a flavor that can resemble many of the well-known fruits, as there are those who describe it as flavored with guava, pineapple, but there are also those who say that its flavor is more similar to that of apple and lychee.
A rather curious fact about this tree, and more exactly about its fruit, is found in the elephants, animals that dare to travel long distances with the sole purpose of eating this fruit, which they love. This contains high amounts of vitamin C, which has caused many populations to settle around these trees, as they manage to create drinks and other elements.
Key features
This tree has certain characteristics that allow it to be differentiated from the rest of the trees, it is quite peculiar, as will be seen with the respective characteristics, which are the following:
Physically it can be seen that it has a single trunk and a crown.
Its leaves are green.
As for its height, if it develops optimally, because the climate and soil are suitable, then it can obtain up to ten meters in length.
The conditions for its excellent development are that it is found in open meadows, but also that the altitudes are low.
From a biological point of view, it is considered that its flowers can be both male and female.
If where it is planted there are only male or only female specimens, then there will be no fruit.
The fruits of this plant can be of two types: globose or ovoid.
As for the pulp, it has enough juice, which is usually sweet.
With the fruit you can make alcoholic beverages, which have been widely sold by Africans for many years, fermenting the fruit beforehand.
Territorially, although they are seen in different parts of Africa, there is one place where there is a greater concentration of these trees and that is in Bantu.
Its seeds have a lot of protein, they also have fats that are considered healthy.
marula habitat
As already mentioned, this is a tree that occurs on the African continent, that is, it is endemic, but specimens of this tree can also be seen on the island of Madagascar. Its cultivation is throughout the sub-Saharan zone, which is in the entire southern zone of the continent in question.
Various studies have been carried out on this tree, which have shown that this plant is never found above 1,600 metres above sea level. Likewise, three types of marula have been found, which are: S. birrea subsp. Multifoliolata, S. birrea subsp. Caffra and S. birrea subsp. Caffra.
Although it should be noted that some of these species can be found at more than two thousand meters above sea level, it should be noted that the distribution of this plant on the continent is not exclusively closely related to altitude.
Uses of marula
Mention has already been made of the various uses given to this tree, since it fulfills many functions just like the cherimoya tree, but in this segment we will talk in more detail about it, since it is a plant that becomes more useful as time goes by.
There is a liquor that is marketed made from the fruit of the Marula tree.
From the seeds you can obtain a great source of protein, when you eat them you will be consuming healthy fats, their flavor is similar to that of nuts, so if you are on a diet, this is an excellent option.
Another use of the seed is the extraction of the oil, which is used to make beauty products.
Likewise, it has been discovered that the oil extracted from this plant can be converted into ethanol as fuel.
Next, it is worth emphasizing a very important medicinal use and it refers to the prophylaxis of malaria, since the bark generates great benefit in this sense.
Making a tea using the leaves of this tree will also be very beneficial for those who do not have good digestion, as their pain will decrease considerably.
It is also excellent consumption for many animals, mainly for elephants.
Those animals that have consumed this fruit in excess have become intoxicated, of course, when the fruit is fermented, since it releases alcohol.
Marketing
It's still a tree with over a thousand years of history, and it's only just becoming known to the rest of the world. Therefore, its commercialization is quite limited; it's mainly transported to communities near where it's grown, meaning it's local. Furthermore, its commercialization is primarily used to make cream liqueur, which is highly prized in Africa and therefore in high demand.
The company that makes this drink is the South African Distell Group. Many women saw in this fruit an opportunity for trade and extra income, especially in Namibia, a territory that always used the fruit for a specific purpose.
It is also worth noting that most of the commercial activities they carry out related to this fruit or the tree in general are classified as informal, and they usually complement this activity with any other, since sales of products made from the tree in question mostly increase during the season.
But it wasn't until the end of the last century that a Namibian company recognized the oil's potential for significant economic gains. It began producing it in larger quantities and of higher quality than previously known. It also marketed it extensively, particularly in the form of various cosmetics made from the plant's oil. More than two thousand women are involved in the production of this product.
Edaphoclimatic conditions
The first point that must be mentioned in this regard is the climate, which varies considerably from one species to another, that species that is closer to the equatorial zone, which has been the birrea, the ranges are maintained with greater stability and higher than those found towards the south, temperatures are usually between twenty-two and twenty-nine degrees Celsius.
Towards the southern area, temperatures drop a little, reaching nineteen to a maximum of twenty-six degrees centigrade; however, these temperatures are approximate throughout the year, but it may happen that on certain days or times of the year the temperatures increase.
On the other hand, there is what is related to the soil, which must be of a frank texture, which means that they are sandy, but it should be noted that there are some specimens that have been studied and these are in slightly more clayey soils, but they must always be have some sand; heavy soils are not suitable for marula.
Likewise, the soil pH should be between 5 and 7, which means it's slightly acidic. Third, there's the issue of rainfall. For this species, which is quite demanding, rainfall should be between 500 and 1,200, but this can vary from one species to another; the species that best tolerates periods of drought is the birrea.
Requirements for cultivation
Mention has already been made of some aspects in the habitat segment, since it is closely related to it, since where a living being develops by nature means that the conditions allow it.
A main factor is the fact of humidity, because many people assume that because it occurs in the savannas it does not require humidity, but the truth is that it does need this factor, otherwise it would not develop optimally, especially while is in the process of germination, then this decreases.
During this same stage, that is, that of germination, the most optimal temperatures are tropical, therefore, very low temperatures are not the most ideal and would not even withstand them.
Likewise, you should not place this plant in the shade, on the contrary, it should give it direct sunlight, as it happens when it is in its natural habitat. The soil must retain water but also have the ability to drain it, otherwise it could flood and eventually die.
If the temperatures are high you should water it every three days, remember that it is not demanding in terms of watering, but you cannot forget about it completely either, if it rains you should not water it, as it will have received enough moisture for several days.
Marula seed germination.
In order to get this tree to germinate, it is necessary to resort to its seed, specialists establish that it has a lactation period and it is during this time that it must be awakened, because if it is inactive it will break in the following process.
To do this you must remove the pulp of the nut. Later you should take the walnut or walnuts, as the case may be, to the sun, for at least a week, if it is a high temperature, but if it is relatively low, then it should be longer.
Subsequently, what you should do is store the nuts that will already be dry in an area where there is air, but that is shaded, at this point they should be less than ten degrees Celsius.
If you want it to germinate faster than usual, what you should do is loosen the operculum and for this all you have to do is soak the seed for at least twenty-four continuous hours.
This entire process will vary depending on the climate, the soil, and the amount of irrigation each person provides, but most commonly, and under the right conditions, after three months you can transfer them to the field. Before completing this segment, it is important to mention that the most opportune time to transfer them to the field is when the rainy season is beginning, as this will allow for the best development.
Marula oil uses
One of the most curious facts regarding the oil that is released from the marula seeds is that in Africa there are many people who prefer to use it for hygiene before using water.
Likewise, this oil is processed to create antioxidants, plus other cosmetic products that are always related to proper skin care, such as creams; There are even some topicals that are ideal for baby skin, which is more delicate than that of adults, and it is based on this amazing oil.
It also has its uses in gastronomy, as it is used to fry different foods; to create dressings, salads and more.
Fruit
This is a tree that gives off a very rich fruit, but not only because of its flavor, but because it has various properties that are very beneficial for the body, and many people even incorporate this fruit into their diet.
The shape of this is obovoid, inside it has two or three seeds, the size of the fruit is like a walnut but a little bigger, while the fruit is developing it is green, but when it ripens it is yellow.
Regarding this fruit, it is important to point out that it does not ripen while it is on the tree, but rather when it falls to the ground, which is where its color changes, although when it is opened you can see that its pulp is white. When you try it you will see that it is quite sweet, in addition, when you touch it you will see that its texture is soft, many people compare both the texture and the flavor with the mango.
Some testimonies say that some fruits may lack flavor; among their properties is vitamin C, which is why they are frequently consumed; but that's not the only property; they are also very beneficial for hydration, which is why people traveling in the area where they are found often eat them for long trips, as they generate energy and hydration.
This fruit can be consumed fresh or cooked, depending on the taste and need of each person, as jams, sweeteners, syrups, juices, alcoholic beverages, beers and more can be made.
Medicinal properties attributed to marula
Throughout the year there are many medicinal uses that have been given to the Marula, although it should be noted that none of the principles have been proven by scientific factors, but those that have tested the plant, the seed, the oil, for medicinal claims that it is fully effective.
For example, the bark of this tree has been used many times to make infusions and extracts to relieve the following conditions or symptoms:
- Diabetes
- Malaria
- Stomach ulcers
- Dysentery
- Hemorrhoids
- antidiarrheal
The most widely used herb is for malaria, but there's no scientific basis for this, so its use hasn't spread. It has been proven to work as an antidiarrheal, as the plant contains procyanidin.
On the other hand, the leaves of this tree also have a potential property, which is flavonoids, therefore, in cases where there are cuts, bites or the like, it is used to soothe the skin. Specifically in Tanzania it is used for scabies, previously boiled and the roots are placed on the affected area.
In the case of suffering from dysentery, the bark and stems mixed with carbonate are used.
ritual uses
Throughout this article, mention has been made of the various uses that are given to the marula, mainly as a cosmetic and as a medicine, but they are not the only uses that are given to this fruit, since in Africa they look for any element To generate another use for this tree and its fruit, they seek ways to increase their relevance, expand their cultivation.
For all these reasons, at a cultural level, African society uses it in its rituals, for example in the Nigerian area, they frequently use the bark, in order to provide protection from snake bites.
Likewise, the bark extract is used to purify the body through a wash; In addition, this same part of the tree is used when hunting, when killing the animal, the extract is previously consumed, it is believed that this provides protection for the soul of the animal to be killed.
Another factor that cannot be overlooked is that the extract of this plant is also used to trap various witches and to remove various curses from a person. Furthermore, most Africans gather around the Marula tree to perform various types of rituals.
The seed
The seed obtained from this plant has been mentioned multiple times throughout this article, but this segment will discuss it in more detail.
The main thing to mention is that each fruit can contain two to three seeds, but something that hasn't been mentioned is that it can be consumed directly or can be used in certain preparations, such as the aforementioned oil. It is also ground into flour and ultimately used in other dishes common on the African continent.
In terms of its flavor, it is very similar to that of peanuts, it is an element that contains many nutrients, which is why it is highly recommended for diets and in general for consumption, since the body requires this type of food. This seed is in the African territory a symbol that means fertility.
If you extract the oil from the Marula, you can use it for your hair, as it will nourish it, likewise your skin can also benefit from the properties of the seeds and the oil, especially if you have dry skin, this dryness will decrease and redness will decrease , giving your skin and hair a better appearance.