Mimusops elengi

• Botanical Name : Mimusops elengi L.
• Common Name : Borsalli, Bakul, Spanish Cherry
• Plant Family : Sapotaceae
• Plant Form : Tree
• Occurrence (Sectors) : 2, 4, 15-17, 23, 24, 27
• Occurrence (Special Areas) : Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation, Ayurvedic Udyan, Van Chetana Kendra, Infocity

About Mimusops elengi Plant :

• Habit : A small evergreen tree with a compact leafy head.
• Leaves : Elliptic, acute.
• Inflorescence : Solitary or in fascicle of 2-6.
• Flowers :
  • White, fragrant, pedicle deflexed.
  • Calyx hairy, segments 8, the outer 4, ovate lanceolate, the 4 inner narrower than outer.
  • Corolla longer than calyx lobes 24, in 2-series, the inner series of 8, the outer of 16, linear, oblong, acute.
  • Stamens 8, filaments short, anthers slightly twisted, staminodes 8, alternate with the stamens, lanceolate, hairs white.
  • Ovary hairy, 6-8 celled, style grooved.
• Fruit : Berry ovoid, yellow, 1-seeded.
• Flowering and Fruiting Time : January-April
• Significance :
  • Planted in the gardens and road-side everywhere.
  • The fragrant flowers are used for making garlands and much used by Indian ladies to wear in hairs.
  • A delightful perfume is distilled from the flowers.