Punnai, sultan champa in Hindi, is Alexandrian laurel, a spreading coastal evergreen with glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers and round green fruits. Oil pressed from its seeds was once burned in lamps in South Indian homes and temples and is now sold as tamanu oil for skin care. Its strong, curved branches were used for boat building. The seeds are poisonous to eat.
- Botanical name
- Calophyllum inophyllum L.
- Family
- Calophyllaceae
- Tamil
- Punnai
- Hindi
- Sultan champa
- Sanskrit
- Punnāga
- Parts used
- Seed oil in lists, Fruit
- Habit
- Coastal evergreen with fragrant flowers and oily seeds
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Punnai
It is a medium-sized, spreading evergreen tree, often leaning over beaches.
The leaves are glossy, leathery and oval, with many very fine parallel side veins.
Fragrant white flowers with a mass of yellow stamens grow in loose clusters.
The fruit is round, green turning yellow-brown, with a single large seed.
The bark oozes a yellow resin when cut.
Traditional use of Punnai
Household
Punnai seed oil was the lamp oil of many South Indian homes and temples.
South Indian household practice
Craft
The wood was used for boat ribs, masts and keels on the coasts.
Coastal craft practice
Literature
Punnai trees appear often in Tamil Sangam poetry of the coastal landscape, neythal.
Tamil literature
Modern notes on Punnai
Tamanu oil contains calophyllolide and other compounds studied in laboratories for skin healing.
Clinical evidence for skin uses is limited.
The tree is planted as a windbreak and shade tree on coasts because it tolerates salt and wind.
Punnai safety
Do not eat the seeds or the oil. Test tamanu oil on a small patch of skin first, and avoid it if you have a nut allergy.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows on coasts from East Africa through India to the Pacific islands.
Its floating fruits spread by sea.
Fruit bats eat the ripe fruit.
Related plants
Also in Calophyllaceae
Questions about Punnai
What is tamanu oil?
Oil from punnai seeds.
Is the fruit of Punnai edible?
No. The seed is poisonous.
Where does Punnai grow?
On tropical coasts.
Why was Punnai used for boats?
Its wood is strong and naturally curved.
Is Punnai fragrant?
Yes. Its white flowers smell sweet.
Sources
- Calophyllum inophyllum L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q311471 (Calophyllum inophyllum)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.