How to Grow Alexandria Laurel (Alexandrian Laurel)
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Alexandria Laurel (Alexandrian Laurel)
Calophyllum inophyllum
treeA tropical evergreen tree native to the Indo-Pacific region, valued for its dense foliage, fragrant white flowers, and oil-rich seeds. It grows as a medium to large shade tree and is widely cultivated in warm climates for ornamental purposes, timber, and the production of calophyllum oil (Tamanu oil).
When should you plant Alexandria Laurel (Alexandrian Laurel) in your zone?
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Example Alexandria Laurel (Alexandrian Laurel) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alexandria Laurel (Alexandrian Laurel)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Alexandria Laurel (Alexandrian Laurel)
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical and subtropical zones 10b-12, preferring warm, humid climates year-round
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Get my Alexandria Laurel (Alexandrian Laurel) timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksYoung plant with 2-4 true leaves, delicate and tender
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Protect from strong winds and direct afternoon sun.
Juvenile Vegetative
2-3 yearsFast-growing sapling with increasingly robust stems and glossy dark green leaves; plant gradually develops its characteristic pyramidal shape
Water regularly during dry seasons. Thin competing branches. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Mulch around base.
Mature Vegetative
1-2 yearsWell-established tree with thick trunk, dense foliage, and established root system; no flowers yet but plant is fully leafed out
Reduce fertilizer frequency. Prune to shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Maintain mulch layer. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
2-3 months (typically year-round in tropics, seasonal in subtropics)Fragrant clusters of small white to pale pink flowers appear in leaf axils; flowers have 4 petals and prominent stamens with delicate fragrance
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen as this reduces flowering. Maintain consistent watering. Flowers attract pollinators; do not spray pesticides during bloom.
Fruiting & Seed Development
4-6 monthsGolf ball-sized round drupes develop from flowers; fruit changes from green to yellowish or reddish-brown as it matures; contains 1-2 large oil-rich seeds
Provide consistent water and nutrients. Allow fruit to fully mature on tree before harvest. Protect ripening fruit from excess wind.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or horticultural soap; prune heavily infested branches; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Increase humidity through misting; spray with neem oil; severe infestations may require miticide application
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; introduce natural predators
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Improve air circulation by pruning; remove infected leaves; apply copper fungicide if severe; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Tamanu Oil for Skin Healing
MedicinalCalophyllum oil (Tamanu oil) extracted from seeds is traditionally used in Pacific and Asian medicine for wound healing, skin inflammation, and minor skin conditions. Modern research has identified compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Cooking Oil
CulinaryThe seeds yield a rich oil used for cooking and food preparation in some traditional Pacific island and Southeast Asian cuisines, valued for its flavor and potential health properties. [source]
Wood & Timber
HouseholdThe hardwood is durable, dense, and beautiful with a reddish hue; traditionally used for boat building, fine furniture, and structural timber in tropical regions. [source]
Ornamental Shade Tree
CraftWidely planted in tropical and subtropical gardens as a large, attractive shade tree with fragrant flowers and dense foliage; used in landscapes, parks, and along roadsides. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeFragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; provides food and habitat for tropical bird species that feed on insects and develop fruit. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruit matures 4-6 months after flowering. Harvest mature fruit by hand when skin color changes to reddish-brown and fruit begins to fall naturally. Extract seeds by splitting fruit with a machete or knife. Seeds should be dried for 2-4 weeks before pressing for oil. For ornamental and shade purposes, no harvest is necessary.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alexandria Laurel is known by many regional names including Tamanu, Kamani, Sundari, and Alexandrian Laurel, reflecting its wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific region and cultural significance.
- 🌱 The fragrant white flowers emit a sweet scent particularly strong in the evening and are commercially valued in some regions for perfumery and aromatic products.
- 🌱 Tamanu oil has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional Pacific island and Southeast Asian medicine, earning it the reputation as 'liquid gold' for skin care.
Gardening Terms
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