Camphor tree

Camphor tree

Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae)

Common Name:

Camphor tree

Scientific Name:

Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae)


Alternative common names:

Camphor laurel; camphorwood (English); kanferboom (Afrikaans); ulosilina (isiZulu)

Description:

This tree is an evergreen tree growing 10-26m high with a dense canopy. It has smooth bark which is green becoming rough, scaly and brownish-grey. Trunk becomes massive and spreading at its base. The leaves reddish when young turning glossy bright green above and blue-grey beneath and three-veined from the base. Tiny yellowish or greenish-white flowers appear from September to November

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

East Asia

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

CARA 2002 - Category 1 but only in Limpopo, KZN, & Mpumalanga NEMBA - Category 1b in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. b. NEMBA Category 3 in Western Cape. c. National Heritage Trees or National Monument Trees in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999, (Act No. 25 of 1999) in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, are not listed. d. Not listed elsewhere.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Mostly in KwaZulu-Natal and a few localities in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Western Cape

How does it spread?

Spread by seeds

Why is it a problem?

Indigenous birds may neglect the dispersal of indigenous plant species as a consequence of their preference for the fruits of this alien species. Competes with and replaces indigenous plants

What does it look like?

General description: Evergreen tree 10-26m high, canopy dense, rounded to spreading; bark smooth, green becoming rough, scaly and brownish-grey; trunk becomes massive and spreading at the base.
Leaves: The leaves reddish when young turning glossy bright green above and blue-grey beneath and three-veined from the base. They are camphor-scented when crushed, distinctly three-veined from the base.
Flowers: Yellowish or greenish-white flowers appearing from September to November.
Fruit/Seeds: Produces bluish-black berries.

Does the plant have any uses?

Mostly used as an ornament, shade, timber; honey source, and birds feed on the berries

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