Marula Cultural Route

New tourist route in Mpumalanga to uplift local communities - Tourism Update The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), together with Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and the Bushbuckridge Local Tourism Organisation, launched the

Cultural boost for tourism | Hazyview Herald The first phase of the route includes villages, Justica, Huntington and Lilydale.

Marula Tree

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 marula is widespread in Africa from Ethiopia in the north to KwaZulu-Natal in the south. In South Africa it is more dominant in the Eastern Mpumalanga area and Limpopo. It occurs naturally in various types of woodland, on sandy soil or occasionally sandy loam. The fruit is edible, eaten either fresh or made into a delicious jelly. It also makes alcoholic beer known as Vukanyi by the Shangaan people. A marula liqueur is available commercially. The white nut is highly nutritious and is eaten as it is or mixed with vegetables. Fruit-farming communities prefer planting a couple of these trees to attract pollinators to their farm in early spring.

What a befitting name! The tree behind is a Marula tree.

The Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency (MPTA) joined hands with the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and the Jongilanga Tribal Authority to officially unveil the Marula Cultural Route at the Madiliki Craft Centre in Justicia next to Lillydale earlier today.