Camphor Tree
Cinnamomum camphora
NEMBA category
English: Camphor Tree, Camphor Laurel, Camphorwood
Afrikaans: Kanferboom
Zulu: ulosilina
A massive evergreen tree from East Asia, the Camphor Tree dominates landscapes with its dense, rounded canopy reaching 10-26 meters high. Featuring smooth green bark that roughens with age, its distinctive three-veined leaves transform from reddish to glossy green and release a potent camphor fragrance when crushed.
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Origins: East Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam)
Overall Appearance:
Cinnamomum camphora is a large, evergreen tree that can reach heights of 20-30 meters and diameters of up to 2 meters. It has a dense, rounded crown and a smooth, grey-brown bark that becomes fissured with age.
Leaves:
Leaves are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. They are typically 5-12 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with a glossy green upper surface and a paler underside. The leaves have a distinctive camphor-like aroma when crushed.
Flowers:
Small, yellowish-green flowers are arranged in clusters.
Flowering Season:
Flowering occurs in spring and summer.
Fruits:
Small, black, berry-like fruits.
Seeds:
Small and easily dispersed by birds.
Bark:
Smooth, grey-brown bark that becomes rough and fissured with age.
Wood:
Hard, durable, and aromatic.
Soil Type:
Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Toxicity:
All parts of the plant contain camphor, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Uses:
Historically, the primary use was for the extraction of camphor, a valuable aromatic compound.
The wood is also used for timber, construction, and woodworking.
Problem Provinces:
Widespread throughout South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape.
Category 1b in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Category 3 in Western Cape.
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.
Note: Cinnamomum camphora is a highly invasive species in South Africa.
It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, alter soil chemistry, and impact biodiversity.
It can also invade riparian areas and disrupt water flow.
Control measures, such as cutting and stump treatment, are often necessary to manage infestations.
Friendly alternatives:
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