Status:
valid
Authors:
Hochst.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1844
Citation Micro:
Flora 27(Bes. Beil.): 1 (1844)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000434908
Common Names
- Sclerocarya birrea
- Marula
- Marula tree
Synonyms
- Poupartia birrea (Hochst.) Aubrév. [unknown]
- Spondias birrea A.Rich. [unknown]
- Sclerocarya birrea birrea [unknown]
Description
Sclerocarya birrea (also called Marula, among many other common names) is a small, evergreen tree native to Africa and the Middle East. It has a dense, rounded crown and its leaves are dark green and glossy. It grows in moist, well-drained soils in semi-shade or full sun and is tolerant of drought and frost.
Uses & Benefits
Sclerocarya birrea is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headache, and skin diseases. It is also used as an insect repellent and for making incense.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Sclerocarya birrea sub. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro
Sclerocarya birrea sub. multifoliolata (Engl.) Kokwaro
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Sclerocarya birrea are small and yellow, with five petals. The seeds are small and round, and the seedlings are small and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Sclerocarya birrea is a small, evergreen tree that grows up to 8 m tall. It is native to tropical Africa and Asia. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature branches and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings have rooted.
Where to Find Sclerocarya birrea
Sclerocarya birrea can be found in tropical regions of Africa, including parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Sclerocarya birrea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Sclerocarya birrea?
Sclerocarya birrea
What is the common name of Sclerocarya birrea?
Birrea
What is the family of Sclerocarya birrea?
Anacardiaceae
Species in the Sclerocarya genus
Species in the Anacardiaceae family
Abrahamia buxifolia,
Abrahamia thouvenotii,
Abrahamia littoralis,
Abrahamia latifolia,
Abrahamia minutifolia,
Abrahamia ditimena,
Abrahamia betamponensis,
Abrahamia capuronii,
Abrahamia delphinensis,
Abrahamia ellipticarpa,
Abrahamia elongata,
Abrahamia itromoensis,
Abrahamia turkii,
Abrahamia deflexa,
Abrahamia grandidieri,
Abrahamia humbertii,
Abrahamia ibityensis,
Abrahamia lecomtei,
Abrahamia lenticellata,
Abrahamia lokobensis,
Abrahamia longipetiolata,
Abrahamia louvelii,
Abrahamia nitida,
Abrahamia oblongifolia,
Abrahamia pauciflora,
Abrahamia phillipsonii,
Abrahamia sambiranensis,
Abrahamia sericea,
Abrahamia suarezensis,
Abrahamia viguieri,
Abrahamia revoluta,
Abrahamia antongilensis,
Abrahamia darainensis,
Abrahamia patrickii,
Actinocheita filicina,
Allospondias lakonensis,
Allospondias laxiflora,
Amphipterygium simplicifolium,
Amphipterygium adstringens,
Amphipterygium amplifolium,
Amphipterygium glaucum,
Amphipterygium molle,
Anacardium amapaense,
Anacardium amilcarianum,
Anacardium brasiliense,
Anacardium caracolii,
Anacardium corymbosum,
Anacardium curatellifolium,
Anacardium excelsum,
Anacardium fruticosum,