Marula
Sclerocarya birrea
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Pl. B10F — Sclerocarya birrea
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IOverview
Overview
Marula, Sclerocarya birrea, is a large deciduous tree native to the savannas and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. It thrives in diverse habitats from dry regions to areas with moderate moisture, making it adaptable to various soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, Marula has been an important resource for local communities for centuries. The tree can grow up to 13 meters tall and requires full sun to produce its distinctive yellow fruits. Its light requirement and hardiness range of 10-12 make it suitable for cultivation in warm climates.
Quick answers
What is Marula?
Marula, Sclerocarya birrea, is a large deciduous tree native to the savannas and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. It thrives in diverse habitats from dry regions to areas with moderate moisture, making it adaptable to various soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Marula thrives in full sun and can adapt to various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay. It prefers dry to moist conditions but is generally hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. Growing to about 13 meters, this tree produces edible fruit and seeds. Ensure the soil remains well-drained while maintaining moisture levels as needed. Propagation can be done through seed or grafting.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
13.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Marula for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, full-sun location and well-draining soil for your Marula tree.
- 1
What you'll need
A healthy young Marula sapling or seedling.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late winter or early spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's not too heavy or clay-like.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to a sunny spot in your garden, making sure the root ball is intact.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the Marula regularly but avoid overwatering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering during dry periods, especially in its first few years.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased branches. Harvest fruit when they turn yellow.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Africa27 regions
native (27)AngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireEritreaEswatiniEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaMadagascarMalawiMaliMozambiqueNamibiaNigerNigeriaSenegalSudanTanzaniaTogo
Broader regions
native:Caprivi Strip, Central African Repu, KwaZulu-Natal
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · b10f9af7-0ae4-401b-a91b-3c7fc90a796e
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