Category: Culture and beliefs

This blog about marula trees was written by Aldo Louw. Special topic blogs are written by Bushwise students during their course, and all facts included are based on their research.

Read time: 3 mins

An African sunset, sipping on an Amarula liqueur somewhere in the beautiful breathtaking bush on a game reserve in South Africa. This might be the picture that pops into your mind when the name marula is mentioned. But there is so much more about this tree than the memorable Amarula liqueur that is made from the tree’s fruit. 

Beyond Amarula 

The marula tree stands 18m tall and the bark is a greyish colour. On the young branches, the bark has a smooth appearance, while on the older branches it appears to be flaky in patches. 

The leaves are unevenly compounded with 7 to 13 pairs of leaflets plus a terminal one that is near the end of each branch. Even though the young trees are frost-sensitive, marula trees are drought-resistant and one of the fastest growing trees in South Africa , growing up to 1.5 m per year. 

These trees can be found in the Lowveld and Kruger National Park. They prefer to grow in the savanna or bushveld. Tall grass, baobabs and fever trees can be found growing close to them. 

Cultural significance and traditional beliefs

This beautiful tree’s history extends back to more or less 10,000 years and there is evidence that even then the fruit and nut-like kernels were an important food source. The tree has a specific sex (deciduous and also dioecious) which led to many traditional African beliefs about the tree. One such belief is that using the powder of the bark or the flowers to make a tea from either the male or female tree influences the gender of the baby you will have. 

Versatile uses

The marula tree is quite a useful tree as it has so many uses. The most obvious – apart from the tasty liquor – being that it can act as both a shelter and a food provider for animals and humans alike. But let’s take a look at some of the more interesting uses for this tree:

1. The inner bark off the tree can be used to make a decent rope, the light reddish brown wood makes lovely furniture and the skin of the fruit can even be burnt to use as a substitute for coffee and snuff. 

2. The flowers are 50 to 80mm long sprays with sexes on separate trees. 

3. Apart from the Amarula liqueur, the fruit is also used to make a semi-sweet wine, beer and even jams and jelly. 

4. This led to a very funny story of elephants and baboons getting drunk when eating the marula fruit which has fermented while lying on the ground. This was proven to be a myth by scientists, therefore no elephants or baboons will soon be seen walking funny and experiencing a hangover. 

1. The fruit are yellow and fleshy with a large stone and ripens from January to March. It has 4 times more vitamin C than an orange and is a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. 

2. The seed from the fruit consists of 2-3 nuts that are rich in oil and protein, that can be eaten either raw or roasted. 

3. The oil from the nuts makes an excellent skin treatment. 

4. Cattle and game benefit from the leaves, bark and fruit. 

5. A tea can be made with the bark from the tree to treat diarrhoea. 

6. Chewing the leaves can reduce heartburn. 

7. Using the bark in a brandy tincture can help as a preventative for malaria. 

8. The inner bark has antihistaminic properties and can be used against insect bites or even those hairy caterpillars that can burn you when accidentally gets in contact with your skin. 

9. An extract from the leaves works wonders for abscesses and burns. 

The marula tree is the ultimate multi-tasker in the African wilderness. From giving animals and humans a place to live and find a snack, to dishing out remedies for stuff like tummy troubles and insect bites, this tree does it all. No wonder it’s called the “Tree of Life.” So, next time you sip on that Amarula drink, remember, there’s a whole lot more to this tree than meets the eye.

Deepen your appreciation for the natural wonders of South Africa’s wilderness by joining us out there at Bushwise Field Guides.

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This blog is by Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student Molly Swan. As part of their training, each student submits a researched blog based on a topic of their choice. 

3 min read

South Africa is known to many as a place to visit to see stunning animals such as elephants, rhinos, lions and cheetahs. But if you look closer, you can see and learn so much more. As you immerse yourself, you start to feel calm and revived and you start to ask, why do I feel this way and why does nature have this effect on people? 

Those who are spiritual find a deep connection here in the bush and some refer to it as magical. Healing medicinal properties and sacred cultural beliefs stare you right in the face in the form of trees, plants and flowers.

The magic guarri tree

The magic guarri tree is found all over the bushveld and holds many secrets in its sacred and medicinal ways. Its scientific name is Euclea divinorum. Euclea comes from the Greek word for ‘famous’ (referring to the fine wood) and divinorum is a reference to the medicinal diviners in Africa.

You will often find it alongside thorn bushes, and it does not discriminate with soil type which is why you can spot so many along thickets. You will know it’s a magic guarri because of its dense shrub shape, its pronounced wavy leaves and clusters of berry shaped fruit. The bark also has a greyish-greenish appearance that is lighter than other varieties. 

Birds and kudu enjoy snacking on the guarri tree, but most other animals stay clear of this one due to its unpleasant taste.

But why is it called the magic guarri? 

The Zulu culture believes that if you chop down the entire plant their whole kraal – an enclosed shelter for huts or cattle – will be destroyed. In other cultures, they will hang a piece of the branch at the entrance of their homes to repel witches and evil spirits. It is also believed that if you carry a piece of the plant with you, it will bring you good luck, and it might even help you find that special animal you have come all the way to South Africa to see. 

Making an infusion or powder from the roots of the tree, the guarri is said to have many medicinal properties. These include but are not limited to treatment for headache and toothaches, constipation, diarrhoea, convulsions, and infertility. It can also relieve abdominal pains and pains during pregnancy.

Practical uses of guarri

One of the most creative ways you can use the guarri is by using it as a toothbrush. Scrape away the outer bark of the branch and expose the green. Then place the branch in your mouth and start chewing, you will then notice the ends start to separate into nature’s own toothbrush. Of course, if nature provides a toothbrush, it must also provide toothpaste? Indeed, it does! From the ash of the leadwood tree – which is now a protected tree.

The roots are also used in other creative ways such as using the dark brown dye for basket ware, brewing beer and even lipstick. The fruit from the tree makes a beautiful purple dye. Because the wood is hard and somewhat heavy, it used to be used to make fence posts, mine props, hoes and railway sleepers. 

The magic doesn’t stop here. If a fire breaks out and there is no fire truck nearby, you can use one of the guarri’s branches with leaves on it to beat out the fire. This works because of the shiny, waxy coating on the leaves that do not fall off easily. It looks similar to a broom when in action. 

There are indeed three other types of guarri that we have seen here in the Lowveld: common (Euclea undulata), blue (Euclea crispa) and Karoo (Euclea ovata). Just as beautiful but perhaps not as ‘magical’. 

So next time you are in the bush look for the magic guarri and see what luck it brings you!

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BY: Megan Colborne

As a field guide, you need to be prepared for every type of question. From “what is a marula tree?” to “are African animals getting drunk from ripe marula fruit?” Whatever the question, we’ve got you covered on all things marula.

Once you’ve completed your training at Bushwise Field Guides and are a fully qualified field guide, you will be responsible for the experiences of your guests. This is why it’s important to have a wealth of knowledge regarding fauna and flora. 

What is a marula tree?

Original photo: “Marula sunset” by krugergirl26 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The marula tree is a green, leafy tree that is resistant to drought so that each tree still manages to produce plenty of marula fruit during dry seasons.

Known as “the king of African trees” the marula tree is a medium-sized tree standing tall at between 9 and 18 metres tall. This single-stemmed marula tree is found in 29 countries. Female trees bear up to 500 kilograms of fruit each year, while the male marula tree puts on a delicate floral display instead. 

Yes, that’s right, there are both a male and female marula trees. 

The marula tree is dioecious, which basically means that each tree has a specific sex. This led to the traditional belief that drinking an infusion made from the bark of a male tree would lead to the birth of a boy, while drinking a bark infusion from the female tree would result in the birth of a girl.

The juicy marula fruit belongs to the same family as the mango and so it has similar properties. It has a yellow peel, white flesh and a large kernel, or pip, in its centre. 

History of the marula tree 

With a history dating back thousands of years, the marula tree has outlived many other trees, with archaeological evidence showing the tree being used as a food source as far back as 10,000 years BCE. 

Over time, many legends have developed in Africa surrounding the marula tree and marula fruit. Local people began to refer to the marula tree as “the elephant tree” as they witnessed elephants travel far and wide to feast on the juicy marula fruit.

Because of its history and importance in Africa, the marula tree is now protected by law in South Africa.

Uses and benefits of marula 

Original photo: “Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) fruits on the ground”by Bernard DUPONT is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Nearly every part of the marula tree can be used in some way. 

The bark of this powerful marula tree contains an antihistamine, is used to prevent malaria, and is also effective in the treatment of stomach issues. Chewing on the bark can also aid in facilitating digestion.

As for the kernels of the marula fruit, when roasted they are known as the “food of kings”, and are regarded as a delicacy. The leaves of the marula tree are also used as a spice and in a salad dressing.

The fruits of the marula tree can be eaten, either raw or cooked, and are commonly used to produce jam. When left to ferment, marula fruit can be used to produce various powerful alcoholic drinks.

In Swaziland, this alcohol is used to make a home-made beer called Buganu.  In Namibia, Ombike is produced, and in Mozambique the fermented marula fruit is used to produce a wine called Ucanhe.

However, none of these can outrank the internationally known cream liqueur, Amarula. Amarula is produced in South Africa using the marula fruit, alcohol and cream. Amarula is one of the best selling products in the world in this category!  

Can elephants get drunk from eating too much marula fruit?

Original photo: “Marula snack” by Chris Eason is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

If tourists on your safari trip ask about African animals getting drunk from ripe marula fruit, don’t be alarmed. 

This comes from the legend that elephants can get drunk after eating fruit that has fermented on the ground or even inside the stomach of the elephant. 

So, does marula fruit make elephants drunk? While the marula fruit is an elephant’s favourite and this would make a great story, scientists have debunked this as a myth, so you’re unlikely to see a drunken elephant leaning against a marula tree for support.

Learn more about the African marula tree and other fauna and flora by becoming a IFGA Safari Guide Course 6/12 Months at Bushwise. Join a Bushwise program today!

Header photo: “Marula Loop” by Chris Eason is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Bushwise student Petri Oberholster shares how he’s learning to identify the nearly endless species of fauna and flora you’ll see in the Lowveld.

Camp manager blogs are written by our current students who each get a chance to lead and manage a group (of their fellow students) for a period of one week.

When I initially arrived at the Bushwise campus, I wasn’t sure what to expect or what practical skills and knowledge was required to become a field guide. However, soon after we went on our first instructor-guided game drive, it became evident that I needed a lot of knowledge of fauna and flora as well as their complex ecosystems.

As someone who grew up in the city, I didn’t necessarily recognise the subtle complexities that can be appreciated with adequate knowledge and training. I realised that there was so much to learn about tracks, botany, geology, birds, mammals and ecosystems. At first the amount of knowledge I had to gain felt overwhelming. 

However, as I spent more time out in the bush practising and learning with the instructors, I soon realised that little by little I was learning to identify the different plants, tracks and animals. This process started by taking little steps at a time and focusing on detail. I soon realised that it was far better to start with one species and focus on each of its characteristics, than just to learn about everything in general.

During our time at Bushwise we are assessed on each of both fauna and flora (animals and plants). For flora, there are various characteristics that one can use for their identification. The ones I like to focus on include leaf form and structure, bark, branches and flowers. 

Different characteristics and behaviour can also be applied to discern between various different species of fauna. We also focused on the identification of amphibians, mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and arthropods.

In the process of learning all these characteristics, a whole new world opened up to me and I started to notice and appreciate nature more. I could suddenly identify the specific butterfly species that would fly past me on my walk to class in the afternoon. I could even use the tracks that were left on the path during our morning and afternoon drive to identify what animal had left them. 

Recently, I’ve learned to identify the tracks of an African civet, a genet and a leopard. I also now know the marks left by an Eastern olive toad. I’ve begun to notice more than just a blur of trees, shrubs and grass while on a drive – I started to differentiate between each tree, shrub and grass, and pay attention to their role in the ecosystem and how they are utilised by local communities. Each has its own uses from medical to spiritual, not just shaping the land but also the culture and traditions of the local communities.

When my first practical mock assessment (game drive) started, I had the opportunity to test the knowledge I’d gained during my theoretical and practical training. When I identified different plant species, I could finally put my hours of studying to practical use. With relative ease I was able to distinguish between certain plants, like a sickle bush and false thorn, or zebrawood and silver raisin. At the end of the game drive, I really felt that all of the time and effort I spent in the bush was paying off – I had gained an immense amount of knowledge in just a few months.

Our next big assessment required us to identify animals – including mammals, reptiles, fish, arthropods and amphibians – by sight and sound. The weekend before the assessment, I prepared by looking at tons of different images, studying them and their unique characteristics in detail and furthering the knowledge I had gained in the field. I played the sounds over and over so that I could identify different mammals and amphibians on sound alone.

I will always remember the early morning drives past the pan where frog calls were clearly audible and how I would try to memorise and identify the different sounds. The same applies to the mammals, I used the same technique to remember their calls during our game drives when I would practise identifying them in their natural environment.

As the assessment started, all the practice again paid off. Each sound I had meticulously studied and practised was decipherable and each image they showed was easy to identify. I finally knew that all that time in the field was worth it.

What if you too could identify fauna and flora just by listening to their sounds or looking at their leaves? Apply today and join Bushwise to learn all this and more.

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South Africa is home to a huge variety of plant life, with many plants holding important cultural, medicinal and spiritual values. Bushwise trainer Francois Theron explores the role of South African plants and why this knowledge is important for safari guides.

South Africa is exceptionally rich in plant diversity and accounts for more than 20,000 species – that’s 10% of all plants found on the planet! Not only do we have incredibly high plant biodiversity, we also have great cultural diversity. South African plants are used by many people in their everyday lives for food, medicine, shelter and other necessities.

Ethnobotany is the study of how different cultures use indigenous plants. People have been using plants for thousands of years all over the world, but in recent decades people have increasingly started moving from rural places into urban areas.

We see this across Africa, where people have access to modern healthcare systems and have moved from subsistence farming to cash crop farming. These changes in sociocultural lifestyles have impacted the indigenous knowledge of traditional and medical uses of plants.

In South Africa, over 2,000 plant species have been recorded as used in traditional medicine. There is still a lot left to be documented about these plants and their uses. Although we live in a modern era with medical care being freely available, there is a growing interest in natural and traditional medicines. 

Some of the most common South African plant-derived medicines that we learn about on a Bushwise course include quinine, morphine, codeine, aspirin, atropine and reserpine, to name just a few. Other discoveries include anti-cancer drugs like taxol and vincristine that come from the plant Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as the Madagascar periwinkle. 

South Africa is a major contributor to world medicine. We supply aloes, which are sold commercially for stomach problems, and buchu, which is used to treat inflammation and fight kidney and liver ailments. Another plant sold commercially is devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), which is used in Germany as supportive therapy for degenerative disorders of the locomotor system.

In a more traditional application, the baobab tree, an iconic African tree, played an important role in the meetings of kings and elders. They would only hold meetings under the baobab tree as they believed the tree’s spirit would guide them in decision making. Another tree that plays an important role in religion is the sacred fig (Ficus religiosa). In Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, this tree is the tree of knowledge. In Judaism and Chistianity, it is the tree of good and evil.

Another common and popular tree is the marula. Few people know that this tree has protected species status in South Africa – due in large part to the important role it plays in local communities. Because marula trees are either male or female (the term for this is dioecious), it was commonly believed that drinking an infusion of the bark of the male or female tree could influence whether your baby would be a boy or a girl.

In addition, weddings were traditionally performed beneath the expansive canopy of large marulas. Its fruit was even used to prepare the beer that was consumed at these weddings!

For the field guide and prospective apprentice field guides, it’s of utmost importance to be able to identify these South African plant and tree species. Safari guides must also know their cultural importance and traditional and medicinal use. This knowledge can be used to educate visitors to the African continent and discuss the critical role plants play in our environment, history and culture. 

With over 20,000 species, the opportunities for discussion and engaging on the role of plants in South Africa can go on and on. It is our obligation as field guides, safari guides and trail guides to learn and understand these beliefs. We should share this knowledge with people visiting the bush,  so they understand the beauty and cultural diversity that this great country thrives on. 

Does ethnobotany interest you? Part of our Bushwise IFGA Safari Guide course is learning about South African plant species. Apply today and learn more!

#southafrica #bushwise #fieldguide #safariguide #training #apprenticefieldguide #safari #fieldguidetrainer #kruger #southafricanplants #fieldguidecourse