Brazil Beauty-Leaf

Calophyllum brasiliense

Physical Characteristics

Calophyllum brasiliense is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Northern S. America from Brazil northwards to Mexico and the West Indies.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Edible Uses: Oil None known

Medicinal Uses

Skin Vermifuge The resin obtained from the crushed or cut bark, called bals'mo de mar'a, has been used medicinally[ 303 , 307 , 378 , 418 ]. A decoction of the trunk bark, combined with the root-bark of Coutarea hexandra, is used as an antidiabetic and vermifuge[ 348 ]. The plant (part not specified) is used to dress sores, and as a headache remedy[ 348 ]. The plant contains xanthones, including guanandine, isoguanandine and jacareubine[ 348 ].

Known Hazards

The fruit is poisonous[ 309 ].