Trees of Odisha: Bakul
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Local Name - ବଉଳ | ( Baula)
In this article
Botanical Overview :
Scientific name: Mimusops elengi L.
Common name: Bakul, Maulsari, Spanish Cherry, Bullet Wood, Indian Medlar
Native to: South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia (including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc).
Height: A medium to large-sized, evergreen tree typically grows about 10–25 meters (50–82 ft) tall and also has a dense, rounded crown.
Leaves: The leaves are simple, deep glossy green, alternate, ovate to elliptical, and leathery in texture. The leaf margins are often slightly wavy or undulating.
Flowers in the Bakul Tree
Type: Flowers are small, solitary or in small clusters (fascicles) in the leaf axils.
Size: Very small, typically only 1–2 cm in diameter.
Colour: Creamy white to pale yellow.
Fragrance: Intensely and wonderfully fragrant, with a sweet, rich aroma, especially in the evening.
Unique features:
Despite their small size, the flowers are highly distinctive, appearing star-shaped or wheel-shaped with numerous pointed, deeply divided petals (sepals and petals are usually in whorls of 8). They retain their fragrance even after drying.
Fruits in the Bakul Tree
Shape & size: Fruits are ovoid berries, initially green, turning yellowish-orange or reddish-orange when ripe. They are small, typically about 2–3 cm long.
Colour: They are usually yellowish-orange to reddish-orange when mature.
Seeds: Each fruit contains one or sometimes two hard, dark brown, and shiny seeds.
Maturation: Fruits mature a few weeks after flowering.
Reaction: The fleshy pulp of the mature fruit is edible, sweet, and slightly astringent.
Dispersal: The fruit is consumed by birds, bats, and other animals, aiding in seed dispersal.
Pollination
Pollinators: The highly fragrant, light-colored flowers primarily attract nocturnal moths and bats (due to the strong evening fragrance), as well as bees and insects during the day.
Pollen types: Flowers are bisexual.
Human Uses in the Bakul Tree
Ornamental use: Highly prized as an avenue tree or shade tree in gardens, parks, and temple precincts due to its dense canopy, resistance to drought, and the pervasive fragrance of its small flowers.
Traditional medicine: Virtually every part of the tree (bark, leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds) is extensively used in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine. Bark is used as a tonic for fever, and to treat diarrhea/dysentery, then flowers are used to treat heart ailments and as a fixative in perfumes. Also, its fruits are used to treat chronic dysentery, and the seeds are used for constipation and as an eye wash.
Craft use: The wood (Bullet Wood) is extremely hard, durable, and strong—it is one of the densest timbers available. It is highly valued for heavy construction, bridge building, piles, cabinets, and turning (making tools and handles).
Dye: The flowers are a source of essential oils used in the perfume industry, and the dried flowers are often used in traditional incense and potpourri for their persistent fragrance. The bark is reported to yield a brownish-yellow dye.
Cultural & Religious Significance
India & Sri Lanka: The tree is considered sacred and is often planted near temples. Its flowers are indispensable for ritual offerings (puja) due to their purity and fragrance. It is often cited in classical Sanskrit literature.
Buddhism (Sri Lanka): In Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition, the Bakul tree (Mimusops elengi) is believed to be the tree of enlightenment (Bodhi Tree) for the Wessabhu Buddha (or Vessabhu Buddha), the 21st of the 28 Buddhas.
Where do I find it?
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