07/09/2026
Elanji (Mimusops elengi) memories are always evergreen and somewhat enigmatic. Old days, on the way to school, our village had a huge Elanji tree. One could connect to the distinctive fragrance coming from a distance through the breeze. I think the Kerala folklore had some vague association with the Elanji tree, its flower with Yakshi. So, there was an element of fear too. Yet, as kids we were excited to collect the half-wilted fallen flowers from the floor. The flowers would retain its fragrance for a few more days, even after drying..........................................
