also: てりはぼく
tamanu; Alexandrian laurel
A tropical evergreen tree (Calophyllum inophyllum) known for its broad leaves and fragrant flowers; the name is usually written in katakana.
The tamanu is an evergreen tree that grows naturally along the coast.
Oil extracted from tamanu seeds is sometimes used in skincare.
Kanji spelling is rare; the plant name is almost always written in kana.
The Japanese name テリハボク (照葉木) literally means 'shiny-leaf tree', referring to the glossy leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it is a straightforward descriptive compound.