Mimusops elengi aka Medlar

Mimusops elengi, or Spanish cherry, is an evergreen tropical tree. It belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Other names include tanjong tree and West Indian medlar. Its native range stretches from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia. It also includes New Guinea, northern Australia, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. It grows in humid lowland forests and seasonally dry sites. It also occurs near the sea and on rocky ground.

Garden profiles give a height near 49 feet [15 metres]. One lists a spread of 52 feet [16 metres]. Broader accounts report heights of 49–98 feet [15–30 metres]. Exceptional trees reach 131 feet [40 metres]. The crown is dense, rounded and wide. A short trunk often splits into several large branches. The bark has cracks. The simple, oval leaves are glossy and dark green. They grow alternately along the stems. Sources differ on growth speed, describing it as slow or moderate.

The small flowers form clusters where leaves meet the stems. They have a star shape and fine hairs. Sources describe their colour as white or cream. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from March through June. The flowers have a strong scent that lasts after drying. Wind carries the pollen, and the tree is not self-fertile. Oval fruits turn yellow or orange-red as they ripen. They reach about 1.4 inches [3.5 centimetres] in length.

This tree grows best in sun but also tolerates shade. It favours deep, rich loam with good drainage. It can grow in sandy soil or clay as well. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soils. Moist soil suits it, though it can withstand drought. Sources also report tolerance of flooding for two months. It withstands strong winds, but reports differ on coastal exposure. Chicago Botanic Garden places it in USDA zones 10–11. Frost reports conflict, so light-frost tolerance remains uncertain.

People plant it for shade beside roads and in gardens. Its dense crown also serves as a screen. Dried flowers scent linen and fill pillows. People thread flowers into garlands and seeds into necklaces. Flower oil has uses in perfume. People eat the fruit fresh, preserved or pickled. Its flesh can taste sweet, bland or astringent. It has a dry, floury texture. Refined seed oil has cooking uses. Traditional medicine uses the bark and leaves for several complaints. These uses do not establish safe or effective treatment. Sawdust can irritate the nose and throat. The evidence gives no clear pet-safety assessment or specific pest problems.