View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

Botanical description
The marula is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree with an erect trunk and
rounded crown. The edible fruits and the multiple uses associated with almost all
parts of the marula make it one of southern Africa's most valued trees. It is one of the
plants that played a role in feeding people in ancient times. Male and female flowers
are borne on separate trees. Flowers are green on the tree but turn yellow after
falling (February-June). The compound leaves tend to be mostly crowded at the end
of the branches (Mutshiyalo & Tshisevhe, 2005).
Distribution
The marula is widespread in Africa, from Ethiopia in the north to KwaZulu-Natal in
the south. In South Africa, it is more dominant in the Baphalaborwa area in Limpopo.
It occurs naturally in various types of woodland, on sandy soil or occasionally on
sandy loam (Mutshiyalo & Tshisevhe, 2005).
Conservation status
No information on its conservation status was found.
Medicinal uses
The powdered bark is used to treat pregnant women to determine the gender of an
unborn baby. If a pregnant woman wishes to have a girl, she will take a preparation
from the female plant, and for a boy she will use the male plant. Traditional healers
use the hard nut in their divining dice. A decoction of the bark treats dysentery,
diarrhoea and rheumatism and has a prophylactic effect against malaria. The bark is
an excellent remedy for haemorrhoids. Its roots and bark are also used as laxatives.
A drink made from marula leaves is used for the treatment of gonorrhea (Mutshiyalo
& Tshisevhe, 2005).
Data from ethnobotanical survey
The bark is used as an enema once a day for sores (Mhlongo 2007, pers. comm.).
Chemical content
The bark of the marula tree yields tannins, tanning matter and traces of alkaloids.
The fruit is rich in ascorbic acid, while juice extracts yield sesquiterpene
45