Around the world in 40 fruits – Volume 1 – (Article 1 of 40)
By Dr. Marli Botha
Since grade school we were all taught about South Africa’s national symbols, these include the Blue Crane (national bird), Springbok (national animal), King Protea (national flower), Yellowwood tree (national tree), and Galjoen (national fish), along with the national coat of arms, flag, and anthem. But did you know that most countries have a national fruit as well – whether official or fruit that is a significant cultural and economic symbol, or often considered a national treasure
Here’s why the marula fruit deserves the spotlight:
- South Africa doesn’t have a single official “national fruit,” but the marula fruit is a significant cultural and economic symbol, often considered a national treasure, and is used in various products and traditions.
- The marula tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 18 meters tall and is a botanical treasure of Africa, particularly in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
- Female trees bear up to 500 kilograms of fruit each year.
- The Marula fruit have a light yellow skin with succulent white flesh, which has a distinctive flavor and is rich in Vitamin-C.
- The skin of the Marula fruit can be boiled to make a drink or burnt to be used as a substitute for coffee.
- The fruit itself is used to make various products, including juice, jam, and alcoholic beverages like marula brandy.
- 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.
