How to Grow Calophylla
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Calophylla
Calophyllum inophyllum
treeCalophylla is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region, valued for its dense foliage, fragrant flowers, and oil-rich seeds. It grows as a medium to large shade tree with attractive glossy leaves and produces small white to pale pink flowers followed by round fruit containing valuable oil. The tree is widely cultivated in tropical regions for timber, ornamental purposes, and the medicinal and cosmetic applications of its seed oil.
When should you plant Calophylla in your zone?
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Example Calophylla timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Calophylla
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 Calophylla
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Calophylla dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in tropical zones 10b-12b; requires consistent warmth year-round
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Get my Calophylla timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksSmall sprouting with 2-4 true leaves; delicate and light green
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; provide bright indirect light; protect from wind and strong sun exposure
Juvenile
1-2 yearsYoung tree with rapidly expanding canopy; leaves become darker and glossier; stems strengthen
Maintain regular watering; apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season; stake for support if needed; prune to encourage branching
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsEstablished tree with dense foliage; becoming more robust with thicker trunk and secondary branches
Continue regular watering; apply slow-release fertilizer; prune selectively to maintain shape; mulch to retain moisture
Flowering
3-4 months (seasonal, typically summer)Tree produces clusters of small, fragrant white to pale pink flowers; flowers appear along branch tips
Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering; do not heavily prune during flowering season
Fruiting & Maturation
4-6 monthsSmall round drupes develop from flowers, green then ripening to brown; each contains 1-2 large oily seeds
Maintain steady watering; support heavy fruit-bearing branches if needed; allow fruit to fully mature before harvest; fruits fall naturally when ripe
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune affected branches; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if population is high; maintain humidity
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Keep tree healthy and vigorous; remove and burn infested branches; inject boricide into holes if necessary
Uses
Skin healing and anti-inflammatory oil
MedicinalCalophylla oil (also called tamanu oil) is traditionally used in Southeast Asian and Pacific medicine to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and soothe skin irritation. Modern research supports its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. [source]
Culinary and lamp oil
CulinaryIn traditional tropical cuisines, calophylla oil is used for cooking and in various dishes. Historically, it was also used as fuel for lamps in Southeast Asian and Pacific cultures. [source]
Cosmetic and personal care ingredient
HouseholdCalophylla oil is widely incorporated into skincare products, soaps, balms, and salves for its emollient, healing, and protective properties. It is valued in natural cosmetics for treating acne, eczema, and scarring. [source]
Timber and wood products
CraftThe dense, durable heartwood is used for boat building, furniture, and decorative woodwork in tropical regions. The wood is resistant to rot and water damage. [source]
Shade and wildlife habitat
WildlifeThe large, spreading canopy provides excellent shade in tropical landscapes and offers shelter and food for birds and insects. The fragrant flowers attract pollinators. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest ripe fruit in late summer to autumn when they fall naturally from the tree or can be easily twisted off. Collect fallen fruit daily. Allow 1-2 weeks for fruit to dry completely before cracking open seeds. Extract oil from seeds by cold-pressing or traditional methods. Best oil yield occurs after 5-7 years of tree maturity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Calophylla oil (tamanu oil) has been used for centuries in traditional Polynesian and Southeast Asian medicine and is sometimes called 'liquid gold' for its exceptional healing properties.
- 🌱 The tree can live for several hundred years and grow to heights of 40-50 feet in ideal tropical conditions, becoming a landmark feature in island and coastal landscapes.
- 🌱 Calophylla wood is so dense it sinks in water, making it ideal for shipbuilding and underwater structures—historically used by Pacific islanders for canoe construction.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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