3 August 2024
Did you know that the Morula tree is Botswana’s national symbol? In 2014, the morula tree was named Botswana’s National Tree together with the Kori Bustard, Sengaparile and Motshikiri, each of which were named the national bird, national flower and national grass respectively.
It is said the national symbols were chosen based on their cultural heritage and usefulness to the nation. Found in many parts of Botswana, the morula tree is known as the ‘tree of life’ due to its countless benefits. Historically, morula was used to make juice and beer. Nothing went to waste as the tree buck was used for medicinal purposes or to make sledges that were used to transport goods.
The morula tree, along with the delicious fruit it bears, has a long history with Africa, one that dates as far back as 10,000 BC. Needless to say, this special tree has deep roots in the continent and not only features in countless African fables, but its fruit also offers a range of uses that go beyond it simply providing a tasty snack.
Between mid-January and mid-March, these ripe, golden ovals find their final resting place on the ground, just waiting to be hand-harvested and turned into the famous creamy drink many people across the world have come to know and love: Amarula.
The morula fruit is magical in more ways than one, and here we round up interesting facts about this African favourite and the tree that gives it life. How many do you know?
- 1. It’s dioecious – in case you’re wondering, dioecious trees are those that have a specific sex. In the case of the morula tree, only the female trees bear both flowers and fruit, whereas the males bloom.
2. It offers a range of health benefits – One morula fruit contains eight times the amount Vitamin C found in an orange. The fruit is also rich in oleic acids and other antioxidants, the latter of which plays a role in the prevention of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. There are many other benefits for the bones, skin and muscles.
3. The seeds are special, too – The seeds of the morula fruit are located inside the walnut-sized stone in the middle of the fruit and have a very delicate and distinct aroma. Both humans and animals enjoy the mineral-rich nuts contained within the seed while the oils extracted from them are used for cooking as well as skin and hair healthcare products. The nuts contain high levels of protein and minerals such as iron, phosphorous, copper, magnesium and zinc.
5. Coffee -The skin of the fruit can be dried, burned and then used as a coffee substitute.
6. Healthy, glossy tresses – Used in hair, morula oil works to protect the scalp against harmful bacteria and inflammation. The wonder oil balances the scalp’s natural oils. It has become a very important ingredient in many haircare products, which when used, clean and freshen hair without leaving it feeling dry or irritated, strengthening the strands against the damage caused by environmental stressors. Morula Oil is also widely used to guard against frizzing.
7. Beauty elixir – In recent years, morula oil has become the holy grail of many beauty potions across the world. Morula oil is commonly used as an ingredient in a variety of cosmetics. Teeming with nutrients and minerals, the oil is used cosmetically or topically in general as it’s known to support skin health, repair damage caused by pollutants, reduce the appearance of maturing skin, calm acne-prone skin, reduce the chances of further blemishes, and prevent skin from losing moisture. It has been proven to enhance elasticity and firmness, facilitate the healing of irritation, inflammation, redness, and chapping, and ultimately revitalise and rejuvenate the complexion.
Used medicinally, morula oil diminishes the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dryness, and cracking. It helps eliminate harmful bacteria, prevent the onset of acne breakouts, address flaking, facilitate wound healing, and promote skin regeneration.
8. A versatile culinary ingredient – The morula fruit is used to make jam, juice and jelly. And of course, it’s one of the ingredients in the popular Amarula liqueur, from which it derives its moniker.
The morula tree and the fruit it bears are truly amazing, and it’s really no wonder that they’re such an African icon. With so much to offer, it’s easy to understand why it’s beloved by all across the globe. Here’s to the magical morula and all the wonder it brings!
Sources: http://www.living-lifestyle.co.za/mad-about-marula-interesting-facts-about-this-magical-tree-and-its-fruit/ & Botswana Government Facebook page
