The Socio-Cultural and Economic Relevance of the Marula Tree and its Sustainable Use in South Africa

Abstract

This article analyses the cultural, and socioeconomic
importance and sustainability of
the Marula tree. The Marula is prolifi c in the
production of fruit, for which it yields diverse
uses within households, social and cultural
ceremonies, and in industrial manufacturing.
The fruit pulp is the main ingredient in the
popular ‘Amarula Cream' liqueur and used to
produce home-brewed beer, while the kernel
oil is in demand in the pharmaceutical and
cosmetic industries. The Zulus use the seed
oil for body massages, while the Vendas use
the oil for meat preservation. The Marula
also features prominently in ethno-medical
practices. With increasing commercialisation
and industrial demand for the tree and its
products, there is a fear that the supply
may not be met or sustained in future. Given
the high economic potential of its many
uses, well-ordered research interventions
are recommended to beef up supplies,
verify many of the ascribed attributes, and
stimulate domestication of the Marula.

African Insight Vol. 36 (3&4) 2006: pp. 249-265