Marula
(Sclerocarya birrea)
This beautiful tree from the African savannahs is nicknamed “elephant tree”, because of the interest elephants have in its small yellow fruits with white flesh.
Full of vitamin C, they are also appreciated by nomadic tribes and Bushmen who consume them as jams or juice.
Its botanical name, Sclerocarya, comes from skleros and karya meaning hard and nut respectively.
A nutty flavoured oil is extracted from the seeds of the Marula tree, which is particularly popular with the Tsonga populations, who integrate it into traditional beauty treatments for its emollient and hydrating qualities.
