SafePlants

Calophyllum: A Tropical Genus

Calophyllum is a genus of tropical flowering plants belonging to the family Calophyllaceae. This genus comprises well over 100 species found in both the New and Old Worlds.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Calophyllum species possess aromatic resinous juice.
• The plant produces oily seeds.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Calophyllum species possess aromatic resinous juice.
• The plant produces oily seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calophyllum
• Family: Calophyllaceae (formerly Guttiferae/Clusiaceae for some species)
• Major Group: Angiosperms
• Synonyms and Alternative Names:
  • Balsamaria inophyllum (Linnaeus) Leiro
  • 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.

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus is mainly distributed in Asia, with some species found in Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
• Calophyllum brasiliense (Guanandi) is native to subtropical and tropical regions of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
• Beauty leaf tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) is native to Australia, Eastern Africa, and Southern India to Malaysia.

Morphological Characteristics

• Calophyllum inophyllum is a large evergreen tree.
• Calophyllum inophyllum typically reaches 60 feet in height in the forest with a 30- to 40-foot spread. However, it is generally much smaller.
• The Alexandrian laurel (Calophyllum inophyllum) is a medium-to-large evergreen tree with a broad, spreading crown of irregular branches.
• The genus is characterized by thick, shiny feather-veined leaves and clustered white flowers.

Common Names and Uses

• Calophyllum inophyllum Common Names:
  • Alexandrian Laurel
  • Balltree
  • Beach Calophyllum
  • Beach Tiga
  • Beauty Leaf
  • Borneo-Mahogany
  • Foraha
  • Kamani
  • Poon
  • Tamanu
• Calophyllum brasiliense Common Names:
  • Guanandi
  • Santa-Maria
• Mara (Calophyllum calaba), also known as santa-mara or false-mamey, is frequently used for reforestation.
• Calophyllum is a useful, general-purpose timber.

Quirky Facts

• The name Calophyllum means "beauty leaf."
• Calophyllum inophyllum has fragrant white flowers that "sparkle like stars".

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

• Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil (Tamanu Oil or Foraha Oil) has been studied in hospitals and by researchers in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific islands since the 1920s. It is renowned for its healing properties and aids in the cicatrization of wounds.
• Extracts from the stem bark of Calophyllum brasiliense have been used by indigenous populations in Latin America.

Conservation Status

• Calophyllum bicolor is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act.

Further Information

• TSN 501153 (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
• DELTA database for Calophyllum spp. (Bintangor)