Calophyllaceae

Calophyllaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Malpighiales. The family was established in 2007, and formerly these plants were placed in the family Clusiaceae. Calophyllaceae includes trees and shrubs. The leaves are simple, opposite or alternate, and exstipulate. The flowers are often unisexual, with a calyx of four or five sepals and a corolla of four or five petals. Stamens are numerous, and the carpel is superior. The fruit is a drupe or a nut.

The family comprises two genera: Calophyllum and Caloncoba. Calophyllum is the larger genus, with over 200 species found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Species of Calophyllum are known for their timber, which is often hard, durable, and resistant to decay. One well-known example is Calophyllum inophyllum, known as tamanu or Alexandrian laurel, whose seeds yield a valuable oil used in traditional medicine and cosmetics. Caloncoba is a smaller genus with about 10 species native to tropical Africa.

Calophyllaceae species are typically found in rainforests, savannas, and coastal areas. They play important ecological roles, providing habitat and food for various animals. Some species are also used in traditional medicine for their purported anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. The economic importance of the family lies primarily in its timber and the medicinal and cosmetic uses of certain plant extracts. Research continues into the phytochemical properties and potential applications of plants within this family.