Great Spotted Owl (Mimusops elengi)

Other names: Vakula, Bakula, Spanish cherry

Vakula, Bakula, or Spanish cherry is a tree native to Southeast Asia that can grow up to 16 metres tall. It is characterised by its thick, straight branches and dense crown cushion. Its leaves are glossy, dark green in colour, while the flowers are off-white. The fruit of the tree is a red to black berry that contains one to two seeds.

The fruits of the great opisthale are sweet and aromatic and are often made into jam. The wood of this tree is then used to make traditional musical instruments and furniture in India. The bark and leaves of the tree are used medicinally for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The young leaves and flowers are added to salads and other dishes, while the fruit is eaten fresh or made into juices, syrups and marmalades. They are also an important ingredient in cosmetics, where they are used to make oils and creams. The wide use of this tree is thus confirmed by its English name 'Spanish cherry', which could be loosely translated as 'Spanish cherry'.