Spanish Cherry
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Scientific name
Mimusops elengi
English Name
Spanish cherry
Malayalam name
ഇലഞ്ഞി
Common name
Bakul Tree
Description
- Habit : Evergreen Tree
- Habitat : Humid lowland forests. Fairly common near the sea, but may also be found in rocky locations and inland forest
- Leaves : small shiny, thick, narrow, pointed leaves
- Flowers : small, star shaped, yellowish white in color
- Fruits : fleshy and oval, turning from green to orange-red when ripe
Uses
Diarrhoea, gum inflammation, toothache ,fever,skin infections
Parts used
Bark,Flowers,Seeds,Fruits,Leaves
How to use
- Bleeding gum : Prepare a decoction of the bark by boiling 40–50g of bark in 1 liter of water until it reduces to 250ml. Gargle with this mixture to treat bleeding gums, looseness of teeth, and bad breath.
- Inflammmatio of gums : Chewing the bark, twigs, or unripe fruit of the Bakul tree strengthens the teeth and reduces inflammation of the gums.
- Diarrhea : A cold infusion or decoction of the bark (40-50 ml) is consumed to treat diarrhea and intestinal worms.
- Dried and powdered flowers are used as snuff (nasal drops) to relieve chronic headache and fever.
- Skin infections : A paste of the bark and unripe fruit is applied locally to treat skin infections, ulcers, or insect bites
Conservation
Propagation & Cultivation
Seed - best sown in individul containers in a shaded position, it usually germinates within 17 - 82 days, with a success rate of about 70 - 90%. Seedlings can be planted out when 20 - 30cm tall.Seed can be stored for about 9 months and needs ‘after-ripening’ during the first month of storage.Greenwood cuttings. The rooting success of 10 - 15cm long cuttings with a diameter of 5 - 10mm is 70 - 90% Prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.Thrives in well-drained soil with moderate fertility.Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods and early growing stage.
