Amarula is a South African cream liqueur made from the fruit of the African Marula tree.

On the wide-open plains of Africa grows a tree uncultivated by man. Scientists call it Sclerocarrya birrea, but it is more commonly known as the Marula tree. The tree only grows in one area on the entire planet, the warm, frost-free regions of subequatorial Africa. It is from the fruit of this mystical tree that Amarula Cream is borne.

The Marula tree holds a position of importance both in the animal kingdom and in human legend and ritual. The trees themselves cannot be cultivated, and so the fruit must be harvested in the wild, where it stands ripening under the African sun. As they ripen the berry's skin becomes a light yellow, with white flesh inside around a large stone. Rich in vitamin C, and the nut packed with natural oil, this succulent, tart fruit draws the animals of the plains with the promise of its annual feast. This fruit is the base ingredient from which Amarula is made.

Amarula Cream was first introduced to the South African Liquor market in September 1989. Now it is exported to about 150 countries, allowing people from around the world to taste some of the exotic fruit of Africa.

Legends and folklore

The animals that are most keen to enjoy the fruit are the magnificent African elephants, which arrive in herds, or by themselves, and ram the trees to get the berries to fall off. As the fruit falls and lies on the ground, it starts to ferment, giving it a sweeter taste - and a slightly alcoholic content! Even the animals of the savannah will do just about anything to eat the Amarula fruit.

The majestic African elephant, which has roamed the African savannah plains for hundreds of years, are also attracted to the ripening fruit. They gather in herds to feed on the rich diet of the ripe berries and their gathering in great numbers under the magnificent Marula trees has given birth to the name "Elephant Tree" among local inhabitants.

According to age-old myths and legends the tree also holds a significant position. Amongst some tribes it is known as the "The Marriage Tree" as it is accredited with special aphrodisiac properties, and many marriage ceremonies are still held under the Marula tree. The bark of the tree is used for a number of different things, from determining the sex of ones child, to treating a sore stomach, and even curing measles.

But the main reason why the Marula tree is so popular is because of its fruit. Whether eaten plain, ice cold or made into beer, jelly or jam, the marula fruit and its oil-rich nut are always in demand when the tree is producing fruit.

External links

• Official website (http://www.amarula.com/) (blocks anyone claiming to be under age)