Calophyllum inophyllum  L. Ð Alexandrian laurel ; kamani  - Clusiaceae

Ochrosia elliptica  Labill. Ð Pokosola  Ð Apocynaceae

Alexandrian laurel, Calophyllum inophyllum, is an evergreen tree native to India, Polynesia, Malaya and Australia.  Indigenous to seashores, it has been planted inland in many parts of the tropics.  In the South Sea Islands, where it is regarded as sacred, it is grown around temples.  Polynesians brought these seeds to Hawaii for the healing properties of its oil and usefulness as a lamp oil.1

Strings of its bony, tan, round fruits, 3/4-1.5 inches in diameter (2-3.5 cm), that resemble ping pong balls, serve as decorative lamp shades.2  In Hawaii the seed with its hard shell is made into pendants.

 

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