Marula

The Marula is a medium to large deciduous tree native to the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa and the savannahs of West Africa. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes mangoes, cashews, and pistachios. Characterized by a single stern and a spreading crown, the tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. It produces pale yellow, oval fruits with a delicious tart flavor, highly prized by local wildlife and human populations alike. The wood, bark, and leaves have a long history of traditional uses, while the rich, nutty kernels inside the stone are processed to produce valuable cosmetic oils and traditional food products.