Marula oil originates from Southern Africa and is extracted from the kernels of the marula fruit. This fruit grows on the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea), a tree predominantly found in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
The marula tree is known as a resilient tree that thrives in hot, dry climates. For centuries, the tree has been valued for its nutritious fruits, shady foliage, and the rich oil that can be extracted from its kernels.
The fruits of the marula tree have a yellowish skin and contain hard nuts inside. Within these nuts are small kernels from which the marula oil is ultimately pressed.