Sclerocarya birrea

Sclerocarya birrea

Sclerocarya birrea, commonly known as the Marula tree, is a species of tree in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, Madagascar, and the Sudano-Sahelian range of West Africa.

Description

Sclerocarya birrea is a medium to large tree, usually 9–18 metres tall. It is deciduous, shedding its leaves during the winter dry season. The bark is grey and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly as the tree ages. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7–21 leaflets. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and sweetly scented.

Uses

The Marula tree is known for its edible fruit, which is used to make the popular liqueur Amarula. The fruit is also eaten fresh, used in cooking, and fermented to make beer. The nuts are rich in protein and oil. The wood is used for carving and furniture making, and the bark has traditional medicinal uses.

Cultivation

Sclerocarya birrea is a hardy tree that can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with annual rainfall as low as 250mm. It is usually propagated from seed, but can also be grown from cuttings.

Conservation

While Sclerocarya birrea is not currently considered threatened, it is vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and sustainable harvesting practices.

See also

• Anacardiaceae
• Miombo woodlands
• Amarula

References

• "Sclerocarya birrea". The Plant List. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
• "Sclerocarya birrea". Flora of Zimbabwe. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
• "Sclerocarya birrea". Useful Tropical Plants. Retrieved 2021-09-30.

External links

• Sclerocarya birrea at PlantZAfrica.com
• Sclerocarya birrea at World Agroforestry Centre