Calophyllum inophyllum, also known as Alexandrian Laurel or Beauty Leaf, is a striking evergreen tree native to the Old World Tropics, widespread from Africa through Asia to Australia and Polynesia. Revered for its ornamental and utilitarian attributes, it boasts a dense, pyramidal crown reaching up to 60 feet in lush tropical landscapes. This slow-growing species is ideal for urban settings as a shade or specimen tree, thriving amid air pollution, compacted soil, and drought. Recognizable by its smooth, leathery dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom in generous racemes each summer, the tree provides a year-round touch of elegance. The fruit is a round, hard drupe containing a potentially toxic single seed. Its robust, light grey bark and durable wood have historically been crucial in traditional shipbuilding, offering resilience and beauty. Known under various local names, this tree contributes to ecosystems as a buffer along coastlines, adapting well to sandy soils, and serving as a windbreak. Cultivation often extends beyond its native regions, including urban landscapes across the Pacific, further celebrated for its salt and wind tolerance. Note: The seeds are a source of the culturally significant tamanu oil, though caution is advised due to their toxic properties.
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