Indian Laurel (Calophyllum inophyllum L.)

Calophyllum inophyllum, commonly known as Indian laurel, beauty leaf, or tamanu tree, is a tropical evergreen tree in the Calophyllaceae family. Native to coastal regions of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, it is valued for its durable timber, fragrant flowers, and seeds that yield a highly prized oil (tamanu oil) used in traditional medicine and skincare. Traditionally, various parts of the tree—including leaves, bark, and oil—have been used for their anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties. With its ecological, medicinal, and economic significance, Calophyllum inophyllum remains an important species in tropical coastal communities.