Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) Mimusops elengi
Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) (Mimusops elengi) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Sapotaceae family, native to South and South-east Asia to northern Australia. It grows 10–15 m (33–49 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–417 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit |
| Native to | South and South-east Asia to northern Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun)
- How far apart should I plant Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) flower?
- About 261–417 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard references.
- What grows well with Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Small star flowers fall at dawn and keep their honey scent for days; a dense, wind-firm shade and avenue tree of temples and palaces.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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