Santa Maria Tree, scientifically known as Calophyllum calaba, is a large evergreen tree native to various regions in the Americas, particularly the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. This tree is a member of the Calophyllaceae family and can reach heights of up to 30 meters.
The Santa Maria Tree is renowned for its distinctive properties and diverse uses. It possesses a wide, spreading crown and glossy, leathery leaves that provide ample shade. Its bark is typically grayish-brown, smooth when young, and developing furrows with age. This tree bears small, white flowers with a pleasant fragrance. The fruit it produces resembles a green, round drupe that turns yellowish when ripe, housing a large seed.
The Santa Maria Tree boasts numerous traditional and medicinal applications. Its stem and leaves yield a red resin known as "Santa Maria balsam," which has historically been used as an ingredient in various natural remedies and ointments. Additionally, the tree's bark has been utilized in traditional medicine for treating ailments such as rheumatism and skin infections. Furthermore, the seed's oil is extracted and employed in cosmetic and skincare products due to its moisturizing and rejuvenating properties.
In conclusion, the Santa Maria Tree is a majestic, evergreen species distributed across the Americas, primarily valued for its traditional applications and diverse medicinal properties.
