Definition

Noun 1. A species of large, evergreen tree: Calophyllum inophyllum is a tropical tree native to coastal regions from southern India through Southeast Asia to northern Australia and parts of the Pacific. 2. A tree valued for its resources: It is known for its hard, durable timber, fragrant flowers, and large seeds from which a thick, greenish oil (often called tamanu oil or Alexandrian laurel oil) is extracted.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Calophyllum inophyllum is easily identified by its glossy, dark green leaves.
  • Traditional medicine has long used oil from the seeds of Calophyllum inophyllum.
  • The beach was shaded by several large Calophyllum inophyllum trees.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or scientific contexts: The name is always used in italics () as it is a Latin binomial (genus and species) name.
  • The study focused on the phytochemical properties of Calophyllum inophyllum.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Names: This species is widely known by several common names, including:
  • Alexandrian laurel
  • Beauty leaf tree
  • Tamanu tree
  • Indian laurel
• Calophyllum (n): The genus to which this tree belongs, comprising many species of tropical evergreen trees.

Synonyms

• Alexandrian laurel (This is the most widely recognized common English synonym in horticultural and some scientific contexts.)
• Tamanu tree (Common name, especially in the context of its oil.)

Notes on Meaning

• The term Calophyllum inophyllum refers specifically to the biological species. It is not typically used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs, as it is a proper scientific name. Its usage is primarily confined to botanical, ecological, agricultural, and cosmetic/oil-related contexts.

Noun

1. East Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers; coastal areas southern India to Malaysia