Family: Calophyllaceae
Kamani (Calophyllum inophyllum) is a handsome tree with glossy green leaves, an upright growth habit, and clusters of beautiful white flowers that smell like orange blossoms. This medium-large evergreen tree contains cream-colored resinous sap and hosts opposite thick paddle-shaped leaves with closely spaced parallel veins. The numerous round drupe fruits have a thin layer of pulp and contain a single round seed kernel. There are several ‘exceptional trees’ in Hawaiʻi.
Habitat & Uses
Kamani has a broad native range from Eastern Africa, Southeast India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Marianas, Australia, and much of Polynesia, indicating its adaptability to various climates and soil conditions.
When the Polynesians sailed to Hawaiʻi, they brought with them the versatile kamani tree. The sweetly scented flowers were used to scent kapa. The beautiful heartwood, with its unique properties, was crafted into food vessels. The nuts were made into whistles, used in lei, and as a brown dye for kapa. The oil, with its medicinal properties, was used for skin conditions, in lamps, and as a waterproofing agent. The doors of the main floor of ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu, a testament to the tree’s durability, have panels of kamani veneer.
Landscaping & Cultivation
Kamani can grow up to 650 feet in elevation and thrives in the hot sun, making it an ideal tree for providing shade in parks and open spaces. Despite its reported intrusive roots, it is often used as a street tree in tropical cities throughout the tropics. It’s important not to confuse it with false kamani or tropical almond (Terminalia catappa), an invasive tree in lowland areas, especially near the ocean.
Kamani can become a prolific seed producer once mature. The large amounts of litter and sometimes intrusive roots can make this tree a little hazardous where people walk, but it would be perfect in a low-maintenance green break tree away from the property. This tree quickly grows from seed and volunteer seedlings can usually be found under mature trees.
Name Origins
Kamani in ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi can mean smooth, not rough or beautiful and shiny like polished kamani wood. The scientific genus name Calophyllum is derived from Greek and means beautiful foliage and the species name inophyllum refers to the closely veined leaves.
Plant Uses:
- Cultural significance
- Edible
- Erosion control
- Lei flower
- Medicinal
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Shade
- Windbreak
- Woodworking
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
