Bakul
Mimusops elengi
Bakul is a dense, evergreen shade tree with small, star-shaped, cream flowers whose sweet fragrance lingers even after they dry. Fallen flowers are gathered for garlands, and the tree is common in temple and college gardens.
Photo: Vengolis · CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, Partial sun
Watering
Moderate
Water young trees regularly; mature trees are fairly drought tolerant.
Soil
Most well-drained soils; pH 6.0–7.5.
Temperature and humidity
5–42 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Feed young trees with compost before the monsoon.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed, air layering
Little pruning needed; it naturally forms a rounded crown.
Not known to be toxic. The ripe fruit is edible but astringent.
Top Cultivation Tips
Good shade tree for avenues and parks.
Dried flowers keep their scent for months.
Tolerates pollution well.
Slow-growing but very long-lived.
Common problems
Leaf spot
Fungal or bacterial infections that cause brown, black or purple spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo, leading to early leaf drop.
How to treat it →PestScale insects
Immobile, shell-covered insects that cling to stems and leaves, draining sap and weakening trees and houseplants.
How to treat it →
