How to Grow and Care for Mimusops

The spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi) is a robust tree native to mountainous regions. Its wood is incredibly tough and can withstand whatever weather gets thrown its way! Many other parts of the trees are useful for practical applications, such as the seeds being used to make beads, and the flowers for stuffing pillows.

Transvaal red milkwood is a tree that grows in a variety of environments, has some drought tolerance, and can withstand mild frosts. Increasingly cultivated as an ornamental or shade tree, its leaves are eaten by elephants and antelope whilst its fruit is a favorite of monkeys and baboons. Its latex is also utilized as a pesticide.

This tropical fruit tree has spread from its native region to many tropical parts of the world mostly because of its good properties as a decorative and windbreak tree. The spread has been so successful that mimusops has become invasive in many parts of the world. The seeds are traditionally used to create necklaces and the oil from the seeds as an ingredient in paints.

Coastal red milkwood is a hardy evergreen tree with a dense, rounded canopy, typically found in coastal and riverine forests. Its glossy, oval leaves and edible, orange-red fruits, which attract wildlife, are notable. This tree’s sweet-scented white flowers and bark used in traditional medicine are key identifiers, flourishing in well-drained soils under warm conditions.