Camphor Tree

CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA

Common Name: Camphor Tree

Chinese Name: 樟樹

Family: Lauraceae 樟科

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum camphora

Plant Type: Angiosperms (dicotyledons)

Flowering Period: Apr-May (Spring)

Fruiting Period: Aug-Nov

Nativity to China/HK: Native

Height: 20-45 m

Fact:

• It has a large , umbrella-like canopy which can be twice wider than the tree's height. The trunk is cracked and dark grey.

• Its oval-shaped leaves are 3 - 10 cm long and 3 - 5 cm wide, with shiny, smooth surfaces that release a pungent bitter smell when crushed.

• Each leaf has 3 distinct yellowish veins, which the outer margins of the leaves tend to be wavy and curly.

• Its flowes are 0.5 cm in diameter. They are tiny, inconspicuous and creamy-coloured.

• Its seeds are round, pea sized berries attached to the branches by little cup-like green cones. The berries first turn red, then ripen to black.

• Its roots, whcih can be readily recognized by thier characteristic odour, are very sensitive to disturbance and may extend far from their trunk. They have great tolerance to drought.

• Grown commercially in China and Japan for their medicinal oil, the Cinnamomum Camphora can be used to treat ailments from parasitic infection to toothaches.

• Camphor wood can be used to make chests, closets, coffins, instruments, and sculptures. The wood itself is prized for its attractive red and yellow stripes, amenability to woodworking and insect repelling properties.

• High commercial appeal due to its uniqueness; made into camphor, soap, insect-repellent, furniture/sculpture production; common ‘feng shui’.

• They are widely planted as shade trees, and can function as "screens" and barriers to the wind.

• Chinese medicine teaches us that pregnant women and people with a deficiency in vital yin energy are not allowed to consume camphor fruit.