Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra is placed in the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly known as Marula. The edible fruits and the multiple uses associated with almost all parts of the marula, make it one of southern Africa’s most valued trees. The marula is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree with an erect trunk and rounded crown. It is one of the plants that played a role in feeding people in ancient times. The genus name Sclerocarya means ‘hard nut’ and the specie name birrea is derived from the word birr, the common name used in Senegal. Elephants, antelope, giraffe, zebra and many others browse the leaves. The tree bears a wealth of fruit for other living organisms, including humans. Medicinally the powdered bark is used to treat pregnant women to determine the gender of an unborn baby. If a pregnant woman wishes to have a girl, she will take a preparation from the female plant and for a boy she will use the male plant. Traditional healers use the hard nut in their divining dice. A decoction of the bark treats dysentery, diarrhoea and rheumatism and has a prophylactic effect against malaria. The bark is an excellent remedy for haemorrhoids. Roots and bark are also used as laxatives. A drink made from marula leaves is used for the treatment of gonorrhoea. The fruit is edible, eaten either fresh or made into a delicious jelly. It also makes alcoholic beer known as Mukumbi by the Vhavenda people. A marula liqueur is available commercially. The white nut is highly nutritious and is eaten as it is or mixed with vegetables.