The Resource Role of Morula (Sclerocarya birrea): A Multipurpose Indigenous Fruit Tree of Botswana
Abstract:
Sclerocarya birrea (morula) is a common and wide spread indigenous fruit-bearing tree species throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. It is widely used by rural populations in most countries wherever it grows. In Botswana the species is protected and preserved by local people in areas of its natural occurrence. Local people in the northern part of Botswana also plant the tree in their homesteads. It is a multipurpose tree whose fruits are eaten fresh or fermented to make a beer, the kernels are eaten or the oil extracted. The leaves are browsed by livestock and have medicinal uses as does the bark. The wood is used to make a variety of implements. The kernel is rich in protein and minerals. The morula fruit produce juice, which has high vitamin C than orange juice. The paper reviews Sclerocarya birrea, which is an important multipurpose tree of social and economic value in Botswana and other African countries where it grows.
How to cite this article
W. Mojeremane and S. O. Tshwenyane, 2004. The Resource Role of Morula (Sclerocarya birrea): A Multipurpose Indigenous Fruit Tree of Botswana. Journal of Biological Sciences, 4: 771-775.
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