Alexandrian laurel
Calophyllum inophyllum
Tamanu seed oil has many uses
Calophyllum inophyllum
A stand of Tamanu trees - they've been measured, counted, and marked as part of the forest plots study
Tahitian names
Ati (S, T, G, A), Tamanu (S, T, G, A), Temanu (M)
Interesting facts
According to Grepin, almonds can be consumed, combined with other plants, as an abortifacient. These almonds are used to make an oil, known worldwide, for its virtues. It has recognized healing properties, can cure skin problems, heal stretch marks, relieve muscle pain, and treat burns and pimples among other things. Either the pure oil can be used or the tamanu almonds mixed with monoi. It is also involved in hair beatification according to Barrau. This sacred tree was planted near or around the marae. Representations of gods, tiki, were carved in its wood. The almonds mixed with other vegetable extracts was used to make dyeing ingredients for tapa. The leaves can be made into a decoction for baths to calm fevers or headaches.
| Family | Clusiaceae |
|---|---|
| Biogeographical status | Polynesian introduction |
| Life form | tree |
| Abundance on Tetiaroa | not common |
| Ecosystem on Tetiaroa | mixed forest |
Resources & Documents
sources & credits
Butaud J.F., Gérard J., Guibal D., 2011. Guide des arbres de Polynésie française, bois et utilisations. 2e édition, Au vent des îles, 616 p.
Grepin F., Grepin M., 1870-1880. La médecine traditionnelle par F. Grepin et M. Grepin. Direction des Centres d'Expérimentations Nucléaires. Service Mixte de Contrôle Biologique.
Barrau, 1971. Useful plants of Tahiti. Société des Océanistes, Paris, Dossier 8, 33 p.
Jost X., Ansel J.L., Raharivelomanana P., Butaud J.F., 2016. Ethnobotanical survey of cosmetic plants used in Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 22 p.
legend
S: Society | T: Tuamotu | M: Marquesas | G: Gambier | A: Australs | FP: French Polynesia