Alexandrian Laurel
Calophyllum inophyllum
- Native to:
- Aldabra, American Samoa, Andaman Is., Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, Caroline Is., Chagos Archipelago, Christmas I., Cocos (Keeling) Is., Comoros, Cook Is., Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gilbert Is., Hainan, India, Jawa, Kazan-retto, Kenya, Laccadive Is., Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Malaya, Maldives, Maluku, Marianas, Marshall Is., Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mozambique, Mozambique Channel Is., Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Ogasawara-shoto, Palau, Philippines, Réunion, Rodrigues, Samoa, Santa Cruz Is., Seychelles, Solomon Is., South China Sea, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tokelau-Manihiki, Tonga, Tuvalu, United States, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis-Futuna Is.
Forest & Kim Starr (www.hear.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Calophyllaceae
- Genus:
- Calophyllum
- Species:
- Calophyllum inophyllum
- USDA Symbol:
- CAIN4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- thrives in coastal and riverine environments
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; soaking in water for 24 hours may improve germination.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in water overnight to soften the outer skin. The outer skin is then removed, exposing the seed shell. Cracking the shell with a mallet or hammer hastens germination. No pretreatment is necessary, but it is recommended for uniform germination time.
Establishment: Flowering can occur throughout the year, however in most regions there are two distinct flowering periods, late sprint/early summer and late fall. The fruit is 2-4 cm in diameter and contains a single seed. The fruits are ripe when flesh is yellow or brown and wrinkled (not green and smooth). Fruits may be collected from the ground as late as a few weeks after maturing and dropping and still maintain viability.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)