Tropical Plant "Marula"
Sclerocarya birrea

Characteristics -The marula is an exotic fruit tree recently introduced in Brazil, originally from the eastern part of Africa, it is already producing well in the state of Sao Paulo. It is a deciduous tree, generally dioecious, 8-18 m tall. Leaves are pinnately compound with 8-10 pairs of leaflets, membranaceous and aromatic, of 6-9 cm long. Flowers small, initially red, turning rosy or purple, form in the spring, at the same time the new leaves are emerging. Fruits are drupes, globose or ellipsoid with a thin succulent pulp, acidic-sweet and slightly resinous in flavor.

Uses - The fruits are usually consumed in their natural state. When fermented, the juice becomes a very popular liqueur, called Amarula.

Propagation - Easily, by seeds or grafting.