On walking closer, I was happy to see that these were the Maulsari or Mimusops elengi . It was December and the tree was in bloom and the tiny star shaped flowers with their haunting fragrance made the morning more beautiful. These flowers are prized because they retain their scent even when dry.
Maulsari is called Bakul in Marathi and is found in many parts of India. It is a native tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. The leaves are glossy green and have a wavy margin. It bears pretty red coloured fruit which is said to be edible (I have not eaten these and I dont recommend readers to do so unless they have confirmed information about it being edible).
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| Bakul fruits – this image from a tree growing elsewhere |
Pune homes and streets in Pune have Bakul. Does this tree grow in your city? Have you seen garlands of these fragrant flowers?
What beautiful blossoms. No, we don't have this tree where I live but I am going to wish that we did. But we do have the linden (basswood)and it is getting ready to bloom. I love its fragrance.
@Alana Yes, indeed, this is a beautiful tree. I have heard of Linden… Fragrant flowers make a tree all the more attractive! Thank you so much for stopping by 🙂
So pretty!
Thank you Lael! 🙂
I am not sure if I have seen the tree before. The fruits look like some I have seen in Bangalore. But the flowers are new. Thanks for sharing, Archana. I like how little the flowers look in your hand.
Bakul flowers are beautiful.
Thanks Parul! The flowers are about the size of my nail..
Thanks Mahathi. 🙂