The ball nut tree (Calophyllum inophyllum), which belongs to the mango stein family, is also called Alexandrian Laurel sometimes though it is not a native of Alexandria. Probably the reason is that its fragrant white flowers look like a bouquet. In Tahiti it is called ati or tamanu, In Hawai the name is kamani and dilo in Fiji. This article deals with the properties and uses of different parts of this tree.
Ball nut tree tolerates different conditions including degraded soil, but grows best in the in sandy coastal areas in the tropics where it may attain 20-25 m height. It branches low and has a rich canopy of thick leaves. The nuts are green in color when young and turn to yellowish brown or red on maturity and about 2 to 4 cm in diameter. Bats love the flesh cover on the nut. They eat it and drop the nut, often into the water which carries them to different locations where they propagate.
The wood is hard and strong. Polynesians traditionally build boats using it for the keel, and planks of breadfruit tree for the sides. In Kerala, India, (where the tree is called punna), entire boats are made from ball nut tree. These crafts are heavier than the Polynesian ones. Ball nut tree is also utilized for masts, scaffolding, railway sleepers, bridge building, furniture and several other applications.
The nuts are picked and sun-dried for about two months after which the shell is broken and the kernel taken out for further drying. Then tamanu oil is extracted through a cold-press process and is purified under controlled conditions. This product, which is internationally known as nambagura or tamanu oil has great medicinal and cosmetic properties and is used in several beauty formulations particularly in Europe.
According to estimates, a fully mature tree yields up to 225 pounds of nuts from which about 40 pounds of oil can be obtained. After refining, the pure oil availability may be around 10 pounds. The retail price of tamanu oil is about USD20/oz.
It seems that several scientific studies have been made in Europe and USA about this product. The ingredients that tamanu oil contains are claimed to be effective in restoration and regeneration of skin tissues, removal of scars, physical and chemical burn marks, and general toning of the skin. It is said to cure skin diseases, rheumatism and ulcers and to have healing and antibiotic capabilities. It would however be prudent to check with qualified persons before using tamanu oil. Other parts of the ball nut tree also have medicinal and pesticide properties.
There are different species of ball nut trees. The oil from some of them is, according to studies, good for bio-diesel. Planting ball nut trees along the beaches can prevent soil erosion.
All indications are that there is good scope for cultivating ball nut trees commercially.
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