Marula Fruit | Marula Trees
The mystical marula tree is a much-loved inhabitant of the African veld and occurs widely in some 29 African countries including many South African game reserves.
Beautiful and leafy yet drought resistant, an average marula tree grows to around 9 metres tall and bears up to 500kg of fruit per year. Adding to its mystical appeal is the fact that the male tree flowers while the female tree bears the fruit.
Marula wood has been used to create pestles and mortars, bowls, drums, beehives and stools, while the bark has medicinal properties and is widely used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea, rheumatism, insect bites and a variety of other ailments. It is said that the leaves provide a remedy for abscesses, spider bites and burns.
The marula tree is often regarded as the spiritual centre for ritual activity in kraals and villages, and is a popular meeting place for villagers due to its shade-bearing size. It is considered a sacred tree in Africa and enjoys the local chief’s protection on communal land.
In addition, the marula tree is protected in South Africa and there are strict policies in place to ensure environmentally friendly treatment and sustainable harvesting of marula trees and fruit. This means that each bottle of Amarula Cream has a proud heritage of sustainable environmental and community care.
