Mimusops elengi,
Sapotaceae
Spanish Cherry
AKA: Bakul
ORIGIN
Native
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Bakul or Spanish Cherry is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
HEIGHT
15- 30 m
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern on the
IUCN Red List
IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
ORIGIN
Native
HEIGHT
15- 30 m
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Bakul or Spanish Cherry is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern on the
IUCN Red List
BARK, FOLIAGE, FRUIT & FLOWER
Bark: Greyish-brown and astringent; used for dental and digestive remedies.
Leaves: Glossy and evergreen; contribute to shade and are used in medicinal decoctions.
Flowers & Fruit: White, star-shaped, strongly fragrant flowers bloom mainly in spring; oval fruits ripen to orange-red and are sweet when mature.
Leaves: Glossy and evergreen; contribute to shade and are used in medicinal decoctions.
Flowers & Fruit: White, star-shaped, strongly fragrant flowers bloom mainly in spring; oval fruits ripen to orange-red and are sweet when mature.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Spanish Cherry is a medium-sized evergreen tree growing about 10 - 15 meters tall, with a straight trunk and a dense, rounded crown. The bark is greyish-brown and fairly smooth, while the leaves are simple, glossy and dark green, arranged alternately in an oval to elliptic shape. The tree is especially admired for its small, white, star-shaped flowers that are intensely fragrant. Flowering occurs almost throughout the year, with a peak in spring and the fragrance is strongest at night and in the early morning. The fruits are oval berries that ripen from green to orange or reddish and contain a single shiny brown seed. The wood is hard and durable, making it useful for carpentry and furniture.
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MEDICINAL USE
In Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine, the bark is used as an astringent for gum diseases, toothaches and mouth ulcers. Flowers are used in cooling tonics for fever and headaches. Fruits are valued for digestive, anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties. Seeds yield oil used in traditional hair and skincare preparations, while bark and leaf decoctions treat diarrhea, dysentery and throat infections.
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ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
The fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators, supporting urban biodiversity. Its dense evergreen canopy provides deep shade, reduces heat and improves air quality. The tree's tolerance to pollution makes it well suited for avenue planting and city landscapes.
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CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Spanish Cherry holds a sacred and auspicious place in Indian culture and is often planted near temples and homes. In folklore and classical Sanskrit poetry, Bakul flowers symbolize love, devotion, purity and serenity. Its beauty and fragrance make it a cherished tree in gardens and ceremonial spaces.
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HABITAT
This tree thrives in warm, humid climates, preferring well-drained loamy or sandy soils and can tolerate light shade as well as full sun.
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CULINARY USE
The ripe fruits are edible and have a sweet, pleasant taste, eaten fresh in several regions. The fragrant flowers are sometimes used to flavour traditional sweets and beverages.
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FOUND HERE
Kavesar Garden
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DO YOU KNOW?
Bakul or Spanish Cherry flowers release their strongest fragrance at night and early morning, which is why they are often collected at dawn for garlands and offerings.
EARTH CHALLENGE
What is Spanish Cherry most admired for?