Alexandrian Laurel
Scientific Name: Calophyllum inophyllum
Category: tree
Brief Description
A medium to large evergreen tree with a broad, spreading crown, rough bark, and large, thick, glossy oval leaves. It produces round green fruit that turn yellow/brown when ripe.
Characteristics
Leathery, glossy, elliptical leaves with prominent, closely spaced parallel veins at right angles to the midrib. Rough, dark grey/brown bark. Produces clusters of fragrant white flowers with yellow stamens. Fruits are round, green drupes that turn yellow or brown as they mature.
Habitat
Coastal areas, beaches, mangroves, and tropical urban parks and streets.
When to Find It
Can be observed year-round in tropical regions. Fruits often present in spring.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Ecological Role
Provides shade and acts as a windbreak along coasts. Produces seeds dispersed by water. Flowers support pollinators like bees.
Easily Confused With
Can be confused with other Calophyllum species, but C. inophyllum is common in coastal and urban plantings and has distinctively large, round fruit. Sometimes confused with Ficus species, but lacks milky sap and has different leaf venation.
Observation Tips
Look for the distinctive parallel leaf veins and round green fruits hanging in clusters. Often planted as a street or shade tree in Cairns.
Interesting Facts
The oil extracted from the seeds, known as tamanu oil, is used in traditional medicine and modern cosmetics for skin conditions.