Marula
sclerocarya birrea
Also known as: ["Marula tree","Custard apple","Elephant apple"]
Overview
A medium-sized deciduous tree native to Africa, known for its edible fruit and cultural significance.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Sclerocarya |
| Botanical Name: | Sclerocarya birrea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Cactus or succulent mix can work well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits. Adjust exposure gradually if moving from shade to sun to avoid scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant to full sun over 1–2 weeks if previously in shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure protection from strong winds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is best; gradual acclimation prevents scorch; protect from wind.
Watering
every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure fast drainage; amend with organic matter; maintain pH balance.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (20–35°C). Tolerates brief periods down to 5°C but prefers frost-free conditions. Growth slows below 10°C.
Protect from frost; ensure warmth in winter; provide shade in extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
Fertilize in spring before growth starts; use balanced formulations; reduce in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 10–15 cm stem cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (20–25°C), humid environment with bright indirect light. Protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus/succulent potting soil.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks. Seed germination can take 1–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain humidity; ensure warmth for rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches to open the canopy. Remove crossing or weak growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape the tree, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood; shape the canopy; avoid excessive removal.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter. Avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot young plants every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate root growth. Mature plants may only need repotting every 4–5 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation of the soil. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to once a month or less in fall and winter when growth slows or halts. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Incorporate compost for fertility and structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or leaf scorch in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, reduce fruit production, and may cause leaf drop or dieback if prolonged below 5°C.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., cover with cloth) in cold spells. Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location. Avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced fruit set, especially with low humidity.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat, increase watering, and maintain soil moisture. Mulch to retain soil coolness.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid winter feeding; follow label dilution.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Sclerocarya birrea pose a slight risk to cats due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of large quantities can lead to cyanide poisoning, affecting the cat's respiratory and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Sclerocarya birrea contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts. Cyanide poisoning can occur, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Sclerocarya birrea contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingestion of large quantities may lead to mild to moderate toxicity due to cyanide poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Marula fruit edible?
A: Yes, the Marula fruit is edible and highly prized for its sweet taste and uses in beverages and cuisine.
Q: Does the Marula tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the Marula tree is known to attract wildlife, including elephants, birds, and insects, due to its fruit.
Q: Is the Marula tree drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the Marula tree is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, allowing so |
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