Common Name: Himalayan cherry. Tamil Name: Patumugam
Himalayan cherry is a huge deciduous tree native to the Himalayan region. This tree is often seen in Nilgiris and other hill areas in Western Ghats. The tree can grow to more than 30 meters in height. The trunk has a dark gray color with horizontal fissures and bark peelings. In Nilgiris this tree generally remains leaf-less during flowering season (common to see another of the same species nearby fully foliatae and flower-less!). The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; the leaf margin is crenate. The grooved petiole measures around 2.2 cm in length; the leaf measures around 15 cm in length. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate with an acuminate apex. The inflorescence is axillary; flowers are pink in color with five distinct petals. The flower stalk measure around 2 cm in length; the flower measures across around 3.5 cm. The rose colored petals measure 1.5 cm each. The calyx is upturned, tubular and recurved. The fleshy fruit is ovoid in shape and encloses a seed is in the form of a hard stone. The pink bloom of this tree is a spectacular sight in Nilgiris. However, some consider it as a non-native species that poses a threat to native species. Fruits are considered edible, but generally not consumed.
