Alexandrian Laurel / Beauty Leaf
CAUTION
Avoid contact with seeds, sap & resin. Sap irritates the skin. Seeds contain aromatic oil that is poisonous.
Origin of name
Family: CLUSIACEAE
- Calophyllum meaning “beautiful leaf“
- inophyllum meaning “fibre leaf“
Occurrence
Found on beaches (above high-tide mark) and rocky headlands, often leaning out towards the sea.
Needs very good drainage and plenty of water. Tolerates salt and hot sun and is very cyclone-tough. Intolerant of fire. Useful in beach protection. A very good shade tree for large areas, especially near the beach.
Appearance
A low-branching tree, 10-20m, with large, attractive leaves. Clusters of white flowers with yellow stamens (Nov-Feb) lead to large, round fruit with a seed that floats.
Avoid contact with seeds, sap & resin. Sap irritates the skin. Seeds contain aromatic oil that is poisonous, but was burned for lighting. Indigenous use: fruit used medicinally. Wood is useful for timber. Bats disperse the fruit and scented flowers attract insects and birds.
