Camphortree
Cinnamomum camphora
Synonyms: Camphora humboldtii var. syringifolia, Camphora humboldtii, Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera, Camphora sieboldii, Cinnamomum camphora f. cyclophyllum, Cinnamomum camphora var. cyclophyllum, Camphora rougieri, Cinnamomum camphora f. linaloolifera, Camphora thwaitesii, Camphora thunbergii, Camphora wrightii, Camphora rougieri var. glandulifera, Camphora thouarsii, Camphora neesii var. microphylla, Laurus camphorifera, Cinnamomum camphoroides, Cinnamomum camphoriferum, Camphora vera, Camphora camelliifolia, Camphora camphora, Cinnamomum officinarum, Laurus calycina, Cinnamomum camphora var. hosyo, Camphorina camphora, Persea camphora, Cinnamomum camphora var. rotundifolia, Cinnamomum simondii, Camphora neesii, Cinnamomum henricii, Camphora officinarum var. glaucescens, Camphora zollingeri, Camphora officinarum, Camphora decaisnei, Camphora neesii var. pharbitifolia, Camphora oldhamii, Camphora decandollei, Camphora officinarum var. hahnemannii, Cinnamomum camphora f. parvifolia, Camphora procera, Cinnamomum nominale, Camphora officinarum var. hippocratei, Cinnamomum camphora subvar. hosyo, Cinnamomum camphora var. nominale, Cinnamomum taquetii, Cinnamomum camphora var. lanatum, Cinnamomum camphora var. glaucescens
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Cinnamomum camphora, the camphor tree, is a large evergreen tree of the family Lauraceae reaching 20-30 m tall, with a broad, dense, dome-shaped crown and pale, vertically fissured bark. The alternate, glossy leaves are ovate to elliptic, 5-10 cm long, with three prominent veins arising near the base and a strongly camphoraceous scent when crushed; new growth flushes a bright pinkish-bronze. In spring it produces masses of tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in axillary panicles, followed by small spherical drupes that ripen from green through red to glossy black. Native to East Asia (southern China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the Ryukyus), it has been widely planted in subtropical regions worldwide for its timber and camphor and has become invasive in parts of Australia and the southeastern United States.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.