Alexandrian Laurel
Scientific name: Calophyllum inophyllum
Overview
Alexandrian Laurel (Calophyllum inophyllum) is a beautiful tropical hardwood native to the coastal regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Naturally distributed from eastern Africa and Madagascar across southern Asia to Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and many Pacific islands, the species has long been valued for both its timber and its cultural significance. It thrives along sandy coastlines, coral beaches, and lowland tropical forests, where it is well adapted to salt spray and harsh coastal conditions.
The wood is prized for its attractive appearance, moderate density, and good working characteristics. Heartwood typically ranges from golden brown to reddish-brown with darker streaks, often displaying an attractive natural luster. While not as commercially abundant as Teak or Mahogany, Alexandrian Laurel has been used for centuries in furniture making, cabinetry, boatbuilding, carving, flooring, and fine woodworking.
Beyond its timber value, Calophyllum inophyllum is also well known for producing tamanu oil, extracted from its seeds and widely used in traditional medicine and skincare products throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Within the Asian hardwood collection, Alexandrian Laurel represents one of the region’s most versatile coastal hardwoods, valued for both its beautiful wood and its historical importance.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Alexandrian Laurel
- Scientific Name: Calophyllum inophyllum
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Native Range: Eastern Africa, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, Pacific Islands
- Tree Size: 30–65 ft tall (9–20 m), 2–4 ft trunk diameter (0.6–1.2 m)
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 41–47 lbs/ft³ (655–755 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,400–1,600 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to reddish-brown with occasional darker streaks
- Grain: Usually interlocked to wavy
- Texture: Medium to moderately coarse
Identification Characteristics
Alexandrian Laurel is recognized by its rich golden-brown heartwood, occasional darker streaking, and attractive interlocked grain. The sapwood is pale cream to yellow and clearly distinguished from the darker heartwood.
The wood has a moderate natural luster and often displays subtle ribbon figure when quartersawn because of its interlocked grain. Medium-sized pores and a fairly uniform texture contribute to its attractive finished appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden brown to reddish-brown heartwood
- Cream to pale yellow sapwood
- Interlocked to slightly wavy grain
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Occasional ribbon figure
- Distinct color contrast between heartwood and sapwood
- Good natural durability
Working Properties
Alexandrian Laurel machines well with both hand and power tools, although the interlocked grain may occasionally produce tear-out during planing. Sharp cutters generally produce excellent results, while the wood sands and finishes to a smooth, attractive surface.
The wood glues well, turns nicely, and develops an attractive polish, making it popular for both furniture and decorative woodworking.
- Machines well
- Turns well
- Sands smoothly
- Accepts glue readily
- Finishes exceptionally well
- Develops a beautiful natural polish
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Occasional tear-out in interlocked grain
Safety Note
Wood dust from Alexandrian Laurel may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust extraction and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding operations.
Common Uses
Alexandrian Laurel common uses include:
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Boatbuilding
- Interior millwork
- Flooring
- Woodturning
- Decorative veneer
- Carvings
- Tool handles
- Architectural trim
- Specialty woodworking
- Collector wood samples
Sustainability & Notes
Calophyllum inophyllum is widely distributed throughout tropical coastal regions and is commonly planted for shoreline stabilization, ornamental landscaping, and reforestation projects. Its ability to tolerate salt spray and sandy soils makes it an important species for protecting coastlines from erosion.
Although the species remains relatively widespread, responsible forest management continues to be important where natural populations are harvested for timber. In many regions, Alexandrian Laurel is now cultivated rather than harvested solely from native forests, helping reduce pressure on wild populations while maintaining supplies of both timber and tamanu oil.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Narra – A premium Asian hardwood with richer coloration and greater decorative appeal, commonly used in high-end furniture.
Santa Maria – A Central and South American Calophyllum species with similar appearance and woodworking characteristics.
Teak – Shares excellent durability and stability but differs in texture, oil content, and coloration.
Related Guides
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain – Discover techniques for machining interlocked woods cleanly and reducing tear-out.
Best Woods for Outdoor Use – Learn why naturally durable tropical hardwoods perform well in exterior environments.
Calophyllum Species Guide – Explore the various timber-producing species within the Calophyllum genus.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Alexandrian Laurel is an outstanding addition to collections featuring tropical hardwoods because it combines attractive grain, historical significance, and botanical interest. Its beautiful golden-brown heartwood, occasional ribbon figure, and connection to the production of tamanu oil make it one of the more distinctive members of the Calophyllum genus.
Collectors often appreciate well-prepared samples that highlight the wood’s natural luster and interlocked grain. When displayed alongside Bintangor, Santa Maria, and other Calophyllum species, Alexandrian Laurel provides an excellent educational comparison within this important tropical hardwood group.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
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Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
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