Tamanu is known for the oil held in its seeds. It is also a sacred tree whose timber has been carved into images of gods.
- Local names
- Ati (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands), Tamanu (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands), Temanu (Marquesas Islands)
- Habitat
- Motu and shore
- Family
- Calophyllaceae
- Biogeographical status
- Polynesian introduction (legacy inventory)
- Life form
- Tree
- Abundance
- Uncommon
- Ecosystem
- Mixed forest
About this species
Tamanu was planted beside or around marae. Its wood was carved into tiki, while its seeds, combined with other plant extracts, supplied ingredients for dyeing tapa cloth.
Oil extracted from dried seeds is used on skin and hair, either on its own or in preparations with monoï. The guide records uses for wounds, skin complaints, stretch marks, muscle pain, burns, and pimples, as well as hair care described by Barrau. It also records leaf decoctions in baths for fever and headaches. These describe traditional and cosmetic practices, not established treatments for those conditions.
The source attributed to Grepin also records historical abortifacient use of the seeds with other plants. That ethnobotanical record does not establish a safe or effective medical use.
Butaud J.F., Gérard J., Guibal D., 2011. Guide des arbres de Polynésie française, bois et utilisations. 2e édition, Au vent des îles, 616 p.
Grepin F., Grepin M., 1870-1880. La médecine traditionnelle par F. Grepin et M. Grepin. Direction des Centres d'Expérimentations Nucléaires. Service Mixte de Contrôle Biologique.
Barrau, 1971. Useful plants of Tahiti. Société des Océanistes, Paris, Dossier 8, 33 p.
Jost X., Ansel J.L., Raharivelomanana P., Butaud J.F., 2016. Ethnobotanical survey of cosmetic plants used in Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia). Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 22 p.
