SafePlants

Calophyllum: A Tropical Treasure

The genus Calophyllum encompasses a variety of tropical flowering plants within the family Calophyllaceae. These trees are valued for their timber and, in some species, the medicinal properties of their oil.

Considerations for Pets

• Calophyllum inophyllum produces oily seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calophyllum
• Family: Calophyllaceae (formerly Guttiferae and Clusiaceae for some species)
• Kingdom: Angiosperms
• Synonyms and Alternative Scientific Names:
  • Calophyllum apetalum Blanco (Illegitimate)
  • Calophyllum bintagor Roxb.
  • Calophyllum blumei Wight
  • Calophyllum inophyllum var. blumei (Wight) Hassk.
  • Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl.
  • C. calaba Jacq., non L.
  • C. jacquinii Fawc.
  • Balsamaria inophyllum (Linnaeus) Leiro

Distribution and Habitat

• Calophyllum species are primarily distributed in Asia, with some presence in Africa and the Americas.
• Calophyllum inophyllum is native to Australia, Eastern Africa and Southern India to Malaysia.
• Calophyllum brasiliense (Guanandi) is native to subtropical and tropical regions of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Calophyllum inophyllum is a large evergreen tree, often reaching 60 feet in height in the forest with a 30- to 40-foot spread.
• The genus Calophyllum comprises well over 100 species of trees and shrubs.
• Calophyllum species are typically medium-to-large evergreen trees with broad spreading crowns of irregular branches.
• The leaves of Calophyllum species have thick shiny feather-veined characteristics.

Common Names

• Calophyllum inophyllum: Alexandrian laurel, balltree, beach calophyllum, beach tiga, beautyleaf, Borneo-mahogany, L. poon, mastwood, Portia tree, beach mahogany
• Calophyllum brasiliense: Guanandi, Santa-maria, false-mamey
• Other Names: Foraha, Tamanu, Kamani

Ecological Role

• Calophyllum bicolor is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act Listing Status.
• Mara (Calophyllum calaba) is frequently used for reforestation.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Calophyllum inophyllum has white fragrant flowers.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

• Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil (Tamanu Oil) has been studied for its medicinal properties.
• Indigenous populations have used extracts from the stem bark of Calophyllum brasiliense.

Quirky Facts

• The name Calophyllum means "beauty leaf," referencing the plant's foliage.
• Calophyllum inophyllum's fragrant flowers sparkle like stars.

Further Information

• TSN 501153 for Calophyllum inophyllum