TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Calophyllum inophyllum, Alexandrian Laurel, Beauty Leaf, Oil-nut Tree, Tamanu, Mastwood

Calophyllum inophyllum

Alexandrian Laurel, Beauty Leaf, Oil-nut Tree, Tamanu, Mastwood
Family: Calophyllaceae
Origin: India, Southeast Asia, Australia
Big tree taller than 20 ftSemi-shadeFull sunRegular waterOrnamental foliageWhite, off-white flowersEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Fragrant plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant

Calophyllum inophyllum is a large evergreen tree, it has firm, dark green oval shiny leaves and produces small white flowers with a yellow center, that have a sweet aroma, reminiscent of lime. The fruit is apricot sized, yellow, and apple-flavored covering a large, thick-shelled nut with a pale yellow kernel. This nut, when freshly harvested, seems to have no oil. Once dried for about a month, it turns dark, chocolate-brown and develops a sticky rich oil.

The tree can grow inland, but favors the coastal areas. In fact, Polynesian natives prefer coastal Tamanu for therapeutic uses.

The oil is analgesic and is used for sciatica, shingles, neuritis, leprous neuritis and rheumatism. The pulverized seeds have been used to cure ulcers and bad wounds. Bark also has medicinal uses as an infusion or in other herbal remedies.

It tolerates varied kinds of soil, coastal sand, clay or even degraded soil.


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