Calophyllum inophyllum -- Kamani, or Alexandrian Laurel
Calophyllum inophyllum -- Kamani, or Alexandrian Laurel
This attractive tree was planted near homes, or hale, for shade. It has attractive dark green and glossy leaves. Panicles of fragrant white flowers are produced in mid-spring. The round fruits, first green, then tan, are about 1 1/2 inch in diameter. Seeds can be slightly poisonous, and they contain an oil substitute for kukui. Seeds are used to make leis. The fragrant flowers were used to perfume kapa.
Its wood was used in making calabash (wooden eating or food bowls), utensils, and canoes. Kamani may have provided the wood used for canoes which originally transported Polynesians to Hawaii. Photos by Priscilla Millen.
Go back to Learning Objective 3
