Mimusops elengi
Species of tree
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mimusops elengi is a medium-sized evergreen tree found in tropical forests in South Asia, Southeast Asia and northern Australia. English common names include Spanish cherry,[2] medlar,[2] and bullet wood.[3] Its timber is valuable and its fruit is edible. As the trees give thick shade and flowers emit fragrance, it is a prized collection for gardens.[4] It is used as an ornamental tree in many places. The flowers may also be used in natural perfume.
| Mimusops elengi | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Sapotaceae |
| Genus: | Mimusops |
| Species: | M. elengi |
| Binomial name | |
| Mimusops elengi | |
_ripe_fruit_in_Kolkata_W_IMG_2833.jpg)
Its flower is the provincial flower of Yala Province, Thailand, as well as the city flower of Ampang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.[5][6]
Tree description
_in_Hyderabad_W_IMG_7161.jpg)
Bullet wood is an evergreen tree reaching a height of about 15 m (49 ft).[7] It flowers in April, and fruiting occurs between June and October. The leaves are glossy, dark green, oval-shaped, 5–14 cm (2.0–5.5 in) long, and 2.5–6 cm (0.98–2.36 in) wide. The flowers are cream and hairy. The flowers are also heavily scented.[8] The fruits are fleshy, range in color between yellow and brown, and contain a large brown seed. The pulp has a yellow color and it is edible. The bark of the tree is thick and appears dark brownish black or grayish black in colour, with striations and a few cracks on the surface. The tree may reach up to a height of 9–18 m (30–59 ft) with about 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in circumference.
The seeds are just like the seeds of custard apple. The seeds are approximately 1 to 1.5 cm (0.5 inches) in length and have a brownish black hard coat.[7] They are quite easy to germinate. The process of soaking is helpful in speeding up the germination process. The trees like full sun. They grow with a moderate pace.
Distribution
The plant is native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly the coastal areas of the Indian subcontinent, Vietnam and Myanmar, as well as Northern Australia.[9] It was introduced in China in the 20th century, and is now cultivated in its south, as well as in Taiwan.[10]
Other uses
- The flowers are sun dried and used to make floral infusions and as an addition to green tea in Thailand.
- The edible fruit is softly hairy becoming smooth, ovoid, bright red-orange when ripe.
- The wood is a luxurious wood that is extremely hard, strong and tough, and rich deep red in color. The heartwood is sharply defined from the sapwood. It works easily and takes a beautiful polish. Density is 1008 kg per cubic meter.
