Calophyllum Longifolium is a species of tree in the Clusiaceae family. Its scientific name is spelled /kəˈlɒfɪləm lɒnˌdʒɪˈfoʊliəm/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "Calophyllum" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, "Longifolium" is pronounced with stress on the third syllable. The letter "c" in "calophyllum" is pronounced as /k/ and the letter combination "ph" is pronounced as /f/. Likewise, the letters "longi" in "longifolium" are pronounced as /lɒnˈdʒaɪ/.
Calophyllum Longifolium is a species of tropical plant belonging to the family of Calophyllaceae. Commonly known as the Longleaf Tamanu, it is primarily found in the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.
The Longleaf Tamanu is a medium-sized evergreen tree with an average height ranging from 15 to 20 meters. It possesses large, glossy, and elongated leaves, measuring approximately 20 centimeters in length. The leaves are arranged in an alternate manner along the branches.
The bark of Calophyllum Longifolium is rough and grayish-brown in color, providing structural support for the tree. It produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters, with each flower having a white or pale yellow color. The flowers eventually give rise to fruits, which are round and approximately 3 centimeters in diameter.
The Longleaf Tamanu tree is culturally significant in Pacific Island communities due to its versatile applications. Its seeds provide a rich oil that is known for its therapeutic properties. The oil is extracted through a process of cold-pressing, and it possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities. It is commonly used in traditional medicine for wound healing, skin care, and the alleviation of various skin conditions.
Additionally, the wood of Calophyllum Longifolium is highly valued for its durability and resistance to rot, making it suitable for construction and woodworking purposes. Overall, Calophyllum Longifolium is an important plant species in the Pacific Islands, revered for its medicinal and practical uses.
The etymology of the word "Calophyllum Longifolium" can be broken down as follows:
- "Calophyllum": This word is derived from the Greek term "kalos" meaning "beautiful" and "phyllon" meaning "leaf", referring to the attractive leaves of the plant.
- "Longifolium": This word is derived from the Latin term "longus" meaning "long" and "folium" meaning "leaf", referring to the long shape of the plant's leaves.
Therefore, "Calophyllum Longifolium" can be understood to mean a plant with beautiful, long leaves.