Brazilian Beauty Leaf

(Calophyllum brasiliense)

Brazilian Beauty Leaf (Calophyllum brasiliense)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Calophyllum brasiliense, commonly known as Brazilian beauty leaf or guanandi, is an evergreen tree native to the rainforests and gallery forests of subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, including Brazil, Paraguay, and the Caribbean. It is often found in areas with high humidity and well-drained soils, thriving from sea level up to 3937 feet in elevation. Guanandi can reach heights of 66-164 feet with a trunk diameter of up to 6 feet. It features leathery, glossy green leaves and white flowers grouped in panicles, which bloom intermittently throughout the year, with a peak in the summer season. The flowers are moderately showy, attracting pollinators. The fruit is a globular drupe that turns purple when ripe.

Guanandi is valued for its durable, reddish-brown timber, which is used in construction and fine woodworking. It is also recognized for its medicinal properties, with the oil extracted from its seeds being used in traditional medicine. In cultivation, guanandi is important for forest conservation and reforestation projects due to its fast growth and adaptability to different soil types. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering, especially in dry periods. While it is not commonly seen in urban landscapes, it can be used in large gardens and parks for its shade and ornamental value. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 30-60 feet
  • Width: 20-40 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Rainforests and gallery forests, with intermittent flowering peaking in summer

Other Names

Common Names: Guanandi , Aceite De Maria , Santa Maria tree , Palo De Maria , Santa Maria , Bella María , Cedro-Do-Pântano , Balsam fig

Scientific Names: Calophyllum brasiliense , Calophyllum brasiliense subsp. mariae , Calophyllum brasiliense subsp. verum , Calophyllum brasiliense subsp. wrightii , Calophyllum brasiliense var. burchellii , Calophyllum brasiliense var. elongatum , Calophyllum brasiliense var. elongatum , Calophyllum brasiliense var. gardneri , Calophyllum brasiliense var. rekoi , Calophyllum brasiliense var. spruceana

GBIF Accepted Name: