Safeplants

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "7706" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Alexandrian laurel

Scientific Name: Calophyllum inophyllum

Family: Clusiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

The name Alexandrian laurel can refer to several different plants. This article focuses on two prominent species:

Fruit: Calophyllum inophyllum produces spherical drupe fruits containing soft nuts.

Leaves: An Egyptian papyrus advises stringing together the leaves of the Alexandrian Laurel and wearing them like a necklace.

Calophyllum inophyllum is a medium-to-large evergreen tree.

Common Names: Alexandrian laurel, balltree, beach calophyllum, beach tiga, beautyleaf, Borneo-mahogany, Sultan Champa, Indian Laurel, Laurelwood, Satin Tiga, Tacamahac Tree, Indian Doomba Oil Tree, Ati Ball Tree, Beauty Leaf.
Family: Calophyllaceae (also referred to as Guttiferae or mangosteen family)
Distribution: Found in Australia, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, India, Southeast Asia.
Uses: Valued for its ornamental timber and oils. The oils are contained in soft nuts in spherical drupe fruits.

Danae racemosa is a slow-growing evergreen shrub.

Common Names: Alexandrian laurel, Poet's laurel
Genus: Danae (monotypic, containing only this species)
Description: A leafless shrub, about 60cm in diameter, spreads by rhizomes and the foliage discolors in sun. The "leaves" are actually flattened stems that provide the function of leaves.
Skill Level: Experienced.
Exposure: Full sun, partial shade, or shade.
Hardiness: Hardy.
Synonyms: Ruscus racemosus

The "leaves" of Danae racemosa are actually flattened stems that function as leaves.
An ancient Egyptian papyrus suggests that Alexandrian Laurel leaves could be strung together and worn as a necklace for medicinal purposes.