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Camphor Laurel

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Cinnamomum camphora


Plant Number: 32

Common Name: Camphor Laurel (Restricted invasive plant)​

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum camphora

Derivation of name

Cinnamomum  

camphora  from latin

Description

  • Large tree which grows to 15-20 metres that was introduced to Australia following European settlement from Japan, Taiwan and China in 1822
  • Invasive weed capable of replacing native trees along waterways and is prevalent in disturbed areas where birds disperse seeds

  • Leaves are glossy green above and grey-waxy or pale below and give off an aromatic smell when crushed

  • Flowers are perfumed, cream coloured and appear in spring through to summer
  • Fruit are black, round berries to 10 mm when ripe but green when immature. The tree produces over 100 000 seeds a year, with each seed staying viable up to three years and take between 4-20 weeks to germinate
  • Seeds are spread by birds and the plant is mildly toxic to humans
  • Old trees have extensive roots which block drains and crack concrete structures
  • Often replace native blue gums thereby threatening koala populations​

Human uses

It is widely cultivated as a street and garden tree but also for camphor, which is widely used as a culinary spice, a component of incense and as a medicine. Camphor is also an insect repellent and a flea-killing substance.

Acknowledgment: BioNET, Biosecurity Queensland

Photo credit: JohnTann & George Wisemantel


 

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Last reviewed 10 August 2021
Last updated 10 August 2021