Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Essential oils- The essential oil obtained from camphor is used medicinally, in perfumes, as an insecticide and also to make celluloid and as a wood preservative. Medicne- The essential oil is anthelmintic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative and tonic. It is used externally in liniments for treating joint and muscle pains, balms for chilblains, chapped lips, cold sores, skin diseases etc and as an inhalant for bronchial congestion. Wood - Construction: Timber used for construction and furniture.
China, Japan, South Korea
Thrives in warm, humid climates. It is now cultivated in many parts of the world.
It is large evergreen tree typically reaching 20-30 m in height. Possesses a dense rounded crown.
Stem is with trunk (grayish-brown), deeply fissured. Young branches are smooth and green, often tinged with red.
Leaves are in alternate arrangement, oval shape, 3-10 cm long. Glossy, waxy appearance with a strong camphor scent when crushed. Distinct yellowish veins.
Flowers are small, cream-colored arranged in clusters.
Fruit is round, pea-sized berries ripening from red to black. Attached to branchlets by cup-like structures.
Flowering: April – May,
Fruiting: August – November.