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Close-up of a white flower with yellow stamens and a red center, next to a round white bud, set against a green background.
Common Name: Kamani
Scientific Name: Calophyllum inophyllum
Description:

Kamani (Calophyllum inophyllum) is a naturalized tree, brought to Hawaʻi by early Polynesian settlers. It does well when planted in an area that gets full sun but can tolerate dry or wet soils. It produces small, yellow-white flowers that smell similar to orange blossoms.

Kamani wood is known for its strength and has been used to build canoes. It has also been used to make containers, bowls, and other eating utensils because of its durability and does not add any additional taste to food placed in it. Its fruit husks can make a brown/mauve colored dye and its seeds have been used to make a variety of oils.

Growing Conditions:

Sun requirements: Full sun

Watering needs: Prefers semi-frequent

Soil preferences: Can tolerate salty soils

Elevation: 0-660 ft

Cultural & Practical Uses:

Cultural significance: Its wood has been used to build canoes and some housing structures. Its flower husks make a brown/mauve colored dye. Seeds have been used to make oils for lamps and to be used topically.

Practical applications: Tolerant to a variety of soils. Good shade tree.

Growth Rate & Size:

Growth rate: up to 3 feet/year once established

Mature size: usually 20-60 feet tall but sometimes over 100 feet tall. Sometimes aggressively pruned to maintain smaller stature, but this is not good for the overall health of the tree.

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