Camphor Laurel

Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel

DESCRIPTION

Large tree 20-30m tall with rough greyish- brown bark. Ovate to elliptic glossy leaves 5–10cm long by 2.5–5cm wide are either alternate or appear whorled, apex acuminate, lower surface glaucous; three-veined from base with domatia in the vein axils. Petioles 2–4 cm long. When crushed, the leaves smell of camphor.

FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Short panicles of pale tiny flowers 3mm long. Globose black fruit 10mm wide normally ripens April to June.

HABITAT AND RANGE

A native of China and Japan, it was originally planted as an ornamental or shade tree, but is now a common invader of rainforest and wetter sclerophyll communities throughout eastern Australia. Camphor is obtained from the tree by distillation and the timber is widely used for storage boxes, woodcraft, etc.