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New research has revealed that a freshly germinated marula seedling can survive for over a year without water if it is just kept moist for its first month above the ground.
In an experiment to determine what makes a savanna tree seedling survive from the rainy season in which it germinates until the rains start again the following year it was found that marula trees can survive drought more readily than some other species. Comparing different tree species showed that when seedlings were grown for the same number of days, the marula produced by far the most roots.
Marula seedlings, compared to seedlings of Silver Cluster leaf, Apple-leaf or knob thorn, then went on to survive almost twice as long without watering as the other species, surviving on average for nearly 100more days without water.

The Marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea), also on the protected tree list, is one of the most highly valued trees in the country. A large industry is based on products derived from Marula fruit, including beauty products and a famous brand of Marula liqueur. To many rural people it is a vital source of income and subsistence. The Tsonga people celebrate the Feast of the First Fruits by pouring an offering of fresh Marula juice over the graves of deceased chiefs.