the
MARULA tree
About the marula tree
Latin Name: Scelerocarya birrea
The Marula tree has a long history with Africa and Africans, dating as far back as 10,000 BC. Not only does it feature in countless African fables, but its fruit also offers a range of uses that go beyond it simply providing a tasty snack – truly one of Africa’ botanical treasures.
Both the fruit and kernel is rich in minerals and vitamins. In African communities, most parts of the tree and its fruits, including the bark, the leaves, nuts, and kernels are utilized for either medicinal purposes or consumed.
The Marula tree is probably best known in the world for the fruit that ‘drives elephants mad’ when dropped to the ground and lightly fermented.
Marula tree can grow up to 18m high and has pale flaky bark with petiolated leaves growing in pairs. Flowers are arranged in a bunch 5 – 8cm long. This tree is part of the mango tree family.
The tree is “dioecious”, which means it has a sex. In the case of the Marula tree, it’s only the female tree that bears both flowers and fruit, whereas the male ones only bear blooms. The tree produces its flowers from September to November and bear fruit from January to March. The fruits are edible and very high in vitamin C (one Marula fruit contains the equivalent Vitamin C of 3 oranges).
The fruit is plum sized with a thick yellow sink when ripe. The flesh clings onto a brown stone and is very fibrous and juicy. The ripe fruit has a unique tropical pineapple flavour. Inside the woody stone are two to three oblong kernels. Each kernel is protected by a small bony “lid” which becomes detached when the stone is cracked.
Between mid-January and mid-March, these ripe, golden ovals fall to the ground where they ripen until ready to be harvested.
With all these magical facts, it is no wonder that the Marula is 2019 tree of the year.
The health benefits of Marula Fruit
Of the wide range of nutrients in the Marula pulp the Vitamin C content has attracted the most attention. It has on average 3 - 4 times the Vitamin C of an Orange with up to 194mg per 100g. The fruit has small amounts of other vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin and nicotinic acid. It is 85% moisture and 14% carbohydrate, mostly sucrose. Citric-acid is the most abundant acid excluding ascorbic-acid but malic and tartaric acid have also been noted by scientists.
The mineral composition of the fruit shows high concentrations of Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. The smell of Marula juice has also been liken to pineapple but this is probably also only in part due to complimentary volatile components such as ethyl acetate, Benzaldehyde, and linalool. The total soluble solids of Marula fruit pulp varies between 7.5¡Brix and 15.5¡Brix.
The many benefits of African Marula Oil
Marula oil absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving behind a little trace of oil. Because of this, it is safe for clothing and leaves the hands feeling oil free.
Due to the quick absorption, Marula oil is an excellent protective moisturizer to apply before applying makeup and can be used in the morning as a moisturizer and at night to remove makeup and nourish skin.
Incredible Anti-Aging Properties
Marula oil strengthens the ability of the skin to produce collagen promoting the disappearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The oil has a natural ability to help fight signs of aging and prevent and heal damage that causes skin aging. This oil is loaded with anti-oxidants that assist the skin to eliminate any signs of aging like dry, dull skin that has brown spots caused by the sun or diet. In mature skin, it boosts the natural ability to regenerate itself.
Promotes Smoother Skin
Marula oil penetrates deep into the skin. It contains a combination of monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin C. This ensures the promotion of elasticity if used on a regular basis. It supports skin’s firmness and helps with cellulite. It helps in reducing the appearance of pigmentation and scars, so your skin appears smooth and flawless.
Protects Against Environmental Damage
One of the most important benefits of Marula oil is that it protects your skin day and night against the damages caused by of environmental elements. It defends your skin against the sun rays, cold wind, and pollution. At night, it works with your natural renewal process to reverse skin damage. It also fortifies the skin from the inside-out with enriching, conditioning, and nourishing nutrients.
Assists with Stretch Marks
Marula oil is an amazing massage oil for pregnant women or people with stretch marks. The nutrients in Marula oil assist in retention of the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Use twice daily to help keep away hyperpigmentation. Marula oil is also an effective way to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.
Aids Dry and Oily Skin
Marula oil is rich in oleic acid. This is a key element for beautiful, healthy skin. It works amazingly on all skin types, even the most sensitive skin. It is absorbent and won't clog skin pores. Men's skin can also benefit as it softens rough skin.
Fights the Effects Of Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are a common thing for women. These changes can affect skin. Marula oil may play an active role in protecting skin against hormonal changes. It fortifies skin and always keeps it looking radiant.
Keeps Hair and Scalp Healthy
Marula oil has powerful nutrients, fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals that help in preventing and possibly preventing UV and environmental damage. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties plus cellular regeneration which keeping the scalp healthy and encourage hair growth. By using Marula oil regularly, you may restore and encourage beautiful, shiny, manageable hair.
Prevents and Treats Skin Conditions
Marula oil has an omega-6 essential fatty acid called linoleic acid. It is not only incredible at treating dry skin, but also in preventing and healing several skin disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc. Skin problems may be assisted with this gentle yet powerful and nourishing oil.
Amazing for Nails
Marula oil is also used to assist with brittle nails. If you have weak nails that crack and break, you may want to use this oil. Applying this oil regularly on your hands will also keep them soft.
Aids Chapped Lips
Marula oil is also known for its ability to heal dry and chapped lips. It penetrates the lips to remove dryness from within. By using this moisturizing oil, you can have soft, pink lips that never crack or bleed. Instead of using lip-balms and other lip products try Marula oil to soothe and heal chapped lips.
Non-Greasy
Marula oil absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving behind a little trace of oil. Because of this, it is safe for clothing and leaves the hands feeling oil free.
Makeup Skin Primer and Makeup Remover
Marula oil absorbs quickly into the skin and for this reason it is superior before makeup to protect your skin. It really is an absolutely amazing facial oil. It can be used in the morning to protect skin and at night to remove makeup and nourish your skin.