Rooted in community: local perspectives on the cultural and conservation value of marula in rural South Africa

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) are vital to rural livelihoods, providing food, income, and cultural value. The marula tree ( Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra ) is a key NTFP species in Southern Africa, offering diverse uses and holding deep cultural significance. However, marula populations in South Africa’s lowveld are declining due to elephant impact and poor seedling recruitment. This study examines local perceptions of marula’s value, conservation, and management in the communities of Ga-Makushane and Namakgale. Older respondents had more positive perceptions of marula trees and their products and protected areas; most participants supported conservation and avoided harmful harvesting. Though, few interviewees actively planted seedlings or were aware of population declines. Medicinal use was widespread and support for elephant culling was low. Our findings support and locally contextualize prior suggestions that marula can be understood as a Cultural Keystone Species, while also indicating that complementary ethnolinguistic work is still needed before that interpretation can be evaluated more fully in this region. Findings underscore the importance of community-led initiatives, such as seedling programs, and advocate for management strategies that integrate local knowledge to sustain marula’s ecological and cultural roles.