Sclerocarya birrea spp caffra
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Sclerocarya birrea Common Names: Marula, Cat Thorn, Jelly Plum, Cider
Tree Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Sapindales Family: Anacardiaceae Genus: Scleroarya Species: S. birrea Synonyms: Poupartia birrea (A.Rich.) Aubrév., Sclerocarya caffra Sond. Morphological Description Sclerocarya birrea is a medium to large deciduous tree, typically 7–17 m tall,
with a broad, spreading crown up to 20 m wide. Its key features include: · Bark: Grey, mottled, peeling in disc-shaped flakes, revealing a
reddish underlayer · Leaves: Compound, alternate, with 7–13 glossy, elliptic leaflets,
3–10 cm long, turning yellow before shedding · Flowers: Dioecious, small, pinkish-red to yellow, borne in clusters,
blooming August–November · Fruit: Plum-sized (3–4 cm diameter), pale yellow when ripe, with
juicy, mucilaginous flesh and a hard seed The tree’s dioecious
nature requires both male and female trees for fruit production (Shackleton et
al., 2002). Distribution and Habitat Sclerocarya birrea is native to sub-Saharan Africa, spanning the
Sudano-Sahelian zone (West Africa) and miombo woodlands (Southern Africa), from
Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa. It thrives in: · Ecosystems: Savannas, woodlands, and riverine fringes (altitude 0–1,800
m) · Climate: Hot, dry conditions (19–35°C), rainfall 200–1,600 mm
annually · Soils: Sandy, loamy, well-drained, tolerating rocky and saline
substrates It is drought-resistant
and often found in mixed deciduous woodlands (Mojeremane & Tshwenyane,
2004). Ethnopharmacology Sclerocarya birrea, commonly known as the marula tree, is indigenous to Africa and
has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine for its diverse
therapeutic properties. Various parts of the plant, including the bark, leaves,
and fruits, have been employed to treat ailments such as dysentery, diarrhea,
rheumatism, and malaria. Phytochemical analyses have revealed that Sclerocarya
birrea possesses antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiparasitic,
antimicrobial, and antihypertensive activities. The fruit is notably rich in
vitamin C and has demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and
antidiabetic properties. Additionally, marula oil, extracted from the kernels,
is high in amino acids, antioxidants, and fatty acids, making it beneficial for
skin, hair, and nail care. These findings underscore the significant medicinal
potential of Sclerocarya birrea, supporting its traditional uses and
highlighting its value in developing health and cosmetic products. · Dysentery/Diarrhea: In South Africa, bark decoctions reduced
diarrhea in rats by 60% at 250 mg/kg, attributed to tannins (Galvez et al.,
1993). · Malaria: In Nigeria, stem bark extracts showed antiplasmodial
activity against Plasmodium falciparum (IC₅₀ 10–50 µg/mL) due to chromone glycosides (Bickii et
al., 2007). · Fevers: In Botswana, leaf infusions are used as febrifuges;
anti-inflammatory effects linked to flavonoids (Ojewole, 2003). · Antioxidant/Skincare: Marula oil from kernels is use in skincare. · Immune Boost: Fruit pulp enhances immunity, has high ascorbic acid content. ⚠ Toxicity Profile: No significant toxicity is reported; LD₅₀ of
bark extracts exceeds 5,000 mg/kg in rats, indicating safety. Mild
gastrointestinal upset may occur with excessive use (Ojewole et al., 2010). Additional Uses · Economic: Fruits yield beer (e.g., Amarula liqueur) and oil, generating
income for rural communities. · Ecological: Provides shade, acts as a windbreak, and supports wildlife
like elephants, aiding seed dispersal. · Cultural: In Zulu tradition, symbolizes fertility and is used in
newborn ceremonies (Fern, 2024). References
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| Compounds of Sclerocarya birrea spp caffra | |
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