Overview
Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz, commonly known as the Marula tree, is a wild-growing deciduous tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family and is native to southern Africa. This tree, which has multiple uses, has adapted to survive in harsh African climates, where it provides food, oil, and other beneficial properties for people and animals alike.
Appearance
The Marula tree typically grows between 6-8 meters tall, with a wide crown, and a single trunk that can grow up to 2 meters in diameter. Its bark is smooth, gray, and sometimes flakes off in small patches. The tree's leaves are simple, alternate, and have a soft texture, with a glossy, dark green surface. The Marula tree blooms with fragrant, white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Common Names
Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz has several names in different South African languages, including Marula, Morula, Umganu, and Umganwa. It is also commonly referred to as the Elephant tree, King of the African Savannah or the Tree of Life due to its potent medicinal and nutritive properties.
Uses
The Marula tree has a wide range of uses and is highly valued by local African communities for its nutritional, medicinal, and cosmetic benefits. The fruit of the tree is edible and popular to both animals and humans, who consume it raw or turn it into a sweet and potent alcoholic drink through fermentation. The unfermented fruit juice is rich in vitamin C, fatty acids, and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
The seeds of the Marula tree produce a cold-pressed oil that is used in many cosmetic products, including shampoos, moisturizers, and soaps. This oil is highly regarded for its hydrating and softening properties and is especially beneficial for dry or aging skin. The oil can also be used to create a nutritious cooking oil, which is high in unsaturated fatty acids.
The Marula tree has a long history of use in traditional African medicine, where it is utilized to treat a range of ailments, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, and pain. The bark and leaves of the tree are used to make a potent decoction, which is used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Growth Conditions for Sclerocarya Schweinfurthiana Schinz
Light: Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz thrives in bright sunlight and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of sunlight can cause poor growth and development in the plant, resulting in stunted growth and decreased fruit production.
Temperature: This plant species is adapted to warm and hot climates. The ideal temperature range for Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz growth is between 20 and 40°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause frost damage and growth retardation, while extreme temperatures above 45°C can cause severe damage and even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements: Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz prefers well-draining soils that are deep, fertile, and rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this species is between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils, as this can cause root rot and eventual death of the plant.
Water: This plant requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. However, it is important not to overwater, as this can cause root rot and decrease plant growth. The best approach is to water the plant deeply, allowing the water to soak into the soil, and then allowing the soil to dry out partially before re-watering.
Nutrients: Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz requires sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth and fruit production. It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of these three nutrients. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, with application rates varying depending on the soil fertility level.
Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the plant. The best time to prune is during the dry season, after fruit harvest. Dead, damaged or diseased branches should be removed to promote healthy growth, while excessive pruning should be avoided as it can reduce fruit production.
Cultivation Methods
Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz, also known as African bush mango, is a drought-resistant tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils and prefers a well-draining soil that is not excessively acidic or alkaline.
The tree requires full sun exposure to thrive and can withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal plant for areas with a hot and arid climate. Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Although Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz can tolerate drought conditions, it requires regular watering during its early years to establish a strong root system. Young plants should receive around 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, while mature trees can go for extended periods without water.
However, it is important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. The soil should be well-draining, and excess water should be allowed to drain away freely to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz responds well to balanced fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Young trees should be fertilized every 2-3 months during the growing season, while mature trees require fertilization every 6-12 months.
Agricultural lime or dolomitic limestone can also be added to the soil to adjust the pH levels and provide additional nutrients to the tree.
Pruning
Pruning of Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz is done mainly to maintain the shape of the tree and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out during the dormant season, preferably in winter or early spring.
Dead, diseased, or broken branches should be removed to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. The tree's canopy can also be thinned out to allow more sunshine and air circulation.
It is essential to use sharp, sterile tools when pruning to prevent damaging the tree or introducing infections. Sealing the cut surfaces with tree wound sealant can also prevent the entry of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz
Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz, also known as the Marula or Elephant tree, is a deciduous tree that is native to southern Africa. The plant can grow up to 18 meters tall and has a broad umbrella-shaped crown with a thick, gray-brown bark. The Marula is a valuable tree due to its various uses, from medicinal to commercial.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the simplest method for propagating Marula trees. Collecting seed from healthy trees is the best way to ensure that the progeny will be vigorous. Harvest the fruits during the period of ripeness by picking them off the parent tree or collecting them from the ground. Clean the pulp and expose the endocarp by cracking with a mallet or stone. Push out the seeds and let them dry for about a week in a cool and dry area. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place, until planting. Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil during the rainy season (October – December) or use a germination medium of sand and soil in equal quantities.
Cutting Propagation
An alternative propagation approach for Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz is through hardwood cuttings. Take cuttings from the parent tree during the start of the dry season (April – June) when the tree is dormant, but the wood is no longer green. Cut leafless and straight hardwood shoots about 30-50 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter and dip them in rooting hormones. Plant the cuttings in a rooting bed of equal parts sand and soil in the shade, making sure to water them regularly. After a few weeks, the cutting should have rooted and can be transplanted into pots or bags. The plant can then be transferred to any desired location.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering is a common propagation method for woody plants. It involves creating a wound on a parent stem and covering it with soil so that roots grow from the wound. This process is done during the summer using a stem of the current season’s growth, while it’s still green. Select a healthy and disease-free branch that is younger than a year. Wound the stem by scraping a section of bark 3-5 cm wide with a sharp knife. Apply rooting hormone to a ball of damp moss or a piece of plastic sheet and wrap it over the wounded area, then cover the surrounding area with soil or sand. Keep the moss or plastic sheet moist by watering regularly, and roots should develop within a few months. Sever the rooted shoot from the parent stem and transplant it into a pot or directly into the soil.
Disease Management
Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz can be affected by various diseases that may cause damage to the plant. One common disease that affects this plant is anthracnose, which leads to yellowing and wilted leaves. Another is leaf rust, which causes the leaves to develop small rust-colored spots.
To manage anthracnose, it is essential to prune infected areas and improve air circulation. Applying a copper-based fungicide can also help control the disease. For leaf rust, it is crucial to remove infected leaves, promote good airflow, and use a fungicide.
Pest Management
Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana Schinz is susceptible to various pest infestations that can weaken or kill the plant. Mealybugs, spider mites, and caterpillars are common pests that attack the plant.
To manage mealybugs and spider mites, it is crucial to keep the plant well-watered and reduce the humidity around it. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs can also help control their population. For caterpillars, manual removal is the best course. If necessary, applying Bacillus thuringiensis can also help control their population.
