Plant search results - Mimusops

Manilkara bidentata, Mimusops balata, Achras balata

Large, and very long lived tropical tree native to wet regions. The leaves are alternate, elliptical, entire, and 10-20 cm long. The flowers are white, and are produced at the beginning of the rainy season. The fruit is a yellow berry, 3-5 cm in diameter. Fruits are edible and eaten fresh, the more common use of the tree is as a commercial timber.

The wood is very poisonous. This species yields a gutta-percha. The sap (balata) becomes solid and somewhat crumbling at ordinary temperature, it softens at 120.2F, and can be molded like gutta-percha.

Manilkara kauki, Mimusops kauki

For reforestation purposes, Manilkara kauki is a useful graft stock for Manilkara zapota.

Mimusops coriacea

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Mimusops elengi

Bakul is a large and handsome tree well-known for its fragrant flowers which are strung into garlands and worn by women. Bakul is used in the treatment and maintenance of oral hygiene. Rinsing mouth with water solution made with bakul helps in strengthening the teeth.