Mimusops elengi (Spanish Cherry) is an evergreen tree that is native to tropical forests in Southern Asia and Northern Australia. The trees produce a valuable timber, thick shade and emits a beautiful fragrance when blooming. Fruits of the Spanish Cherry tree are edible while the flowers and bark can be used in traditional medicines.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Mimusops elengi is also commonly called Bullet Wood and Red Coondoo. Trees of all ages can suffer extensive damage during frosts and are not recommended for temperate climates.
In southern Asia, the Spanish Cherry is a popular choice for bonsai gardeners due to their evergreen appearance and fast-growing nature.
For more varieties that are ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Mimusops elengi is a medium-sized evergreen tree that grows to a height of up to 15 m (49ft) and a width of up to 10 m (33ft). It is fast-growing in tropical regions that receive high annual rainfalls.
Young Spanish Cherry trees thrive in shaded locations with morning sun but as they mature prefer a position in full sun. Ideally, they are grown in containers for the first few years so that they can be relocated to a permanent position once developed.
Finding ideal soil conditions for the Spanish Cherry is easy. They tolerate boggy moist soils, salty marshes and don’t mind sandy mixtures either.
In good growing conditions, the Spanish Cherry can start to flower in around 3-4 years.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Sapotaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 30°C / 41 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Tolerates boggy, sandy and salty soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun (except for younger trees)
HEIGHT:
Up to 15 metres (49 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (33 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium-High
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
3-4 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
Scarify the seeds prior to soaking for 24 hours. Germination takes between 3-12 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER KILOGRAM:
About 2000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 12 months.
FACTS ABOUT MIMUSOPS ELENGI (Spanish Cherry)
Throughout tropical regions, the Spanish Cherry tree is commonly used as a street tree due to the valuable heavy shade it provides. In areas of high annual rainfall, once established, the trees are low maintenance, fast growing and produce a beautiful fragrance during Spring.
In India the leaves, bark and flowers are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat toothaches, snake-bites and to assist with wounds, eczema and headaches.
An essential oil is produced from the bark, flowers as pillow fillers, young sprouts as toothbrushes, the seeds are worn as necklaces and the wood is prized for its hard durability and resistance to termites.
For further information about Spanish Cherry trees click here.
