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