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Coastal Camphor Bush
Tarchonanthus littoralis
SA tree no: 333.2
English: Coastal Camphor Bush, Dune Camphor Bush, Wild Tobacco, Silver Tree, Willow-leaved Tar Bush
Afrikaans: Kuskaambos, Rooi-vaalbos, Duinkaambos, Vaalbos
Xhosa: isiDuli Selindle
Zulu: iGqeba-elimhlophe, isiDulu-sehlathi
Historical scientific names: Tarchonanthus camphoratus
Tarchonanthus littoralis, commonly known as the Coastal Camphor Bush, is a fascinating indigenous shrub or small tree found along South Africa's beautiful coastline. It's easy to spot with its rough bark and lovely silvery-grey leaves that smell like camphor when you crush them. This plant is a fantastic choice for gardens, especially in coastal areas, as it helps stabilise dunes and provides shelter.
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Distinguishing features:
A shrub or small tree typically growing 2–4 metres tall, but can sometimes reach 9 metres in favourable spots.
Has rough, greyish-brown bark.
Features distinctive silvery-grey foliage due to tiny white hairs covering the underside of its leaves.
Its leaves release a strong camphor-like scent when crushed.
Produces small, yellowish-white flowers.
Bears small, hairy, light grey or brownish fruits that form dense, fluffy clusters on female plants.
Overall appearance:
Tarchonanthus littoralis is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can form dense thickets, especially along coastal areas. It has a rugged appearance with rough bark and striking silvery-grey foliage, creating an attractive contrast against other green plants.
Height:
Typically grows between 2 and 4 metres tall. In very favourable conditions, it can sometimes reach up to 9 metres in height.
Leaves:
Arranged alternately along the stems.
Narrowly oblong or elliptic in shape.
Measure between 30 mm and 80 mm long and 3 mm to 15 mm wide.
The upper surface is dark green and glossy.
The underside is covered with dense white hairs, giving it a distinct silvery-white, almost woolly appearance.
The leaf margins (edges) are entire (smooth) and often rolled under.
When crushed, the leaves release a clear, strong camphor-like scent.
Flowers:
The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants.
The flowers are small and yellowish-white.
They are borne in branched clusters called panicles, located at the ends of branches (terminal) or in the leaf axils (where the leaf joins the stem).
Male flowers are generally larger and more abundant than female flowers.
Flowering season:
Flowers are typically produced from October to February in South Africa.
Fruits:
The fruits are small, dry, single-seeded fruits known as achenes.
They measure about 3 mm in diameter.
They are densely hairy and light grey or brownish in colour.
Produced in dense, fluffy, grey-white clusters, especially noticeable on female plants after flowering.
These fluffy clusters aid in wind dispersal of the seeds.
Seeds:
Each achene (fruit) contains a single seed. The seeds are small and dispersed by wind within their hairy fruit casing.
Bark:
The bark is greyish-brown and rough in texture. It is often fissured (cracked) longitudinally, adding to the rugged appearance of the plant.
Wood:
The wood of Tarchonanthus littoralis is known for being hard, heavy, and durable. It is light-coloured and, like the leaves, has a distinct camphor-like smell. An added benefit is that it is resistant to termites.
Soil type:
This plant is adaptable and thrives in well-drained soils, showing a good tolerance for sandy conditions, which is typical of its coastal habitats.
Aspect:
Tarchonanthus littoralis prefers full sun exposure. Once established, it is notably drought tolerant and moderately frost hardy, though severe frost might cause damage. Crucially for its coastal habitat, it tolerates strong winds and salt spray very well.
Edibility:
While not typically used as a food source for humans, parts of the plant, especially the leaves, have traditional medicinal uses.
Toxicity:
No specific toxicity to humans or animals is reported for Tarchonanthus littoralis on the SANBI source pages.
Uses:
Ornamental Plant: It is an excellent choice for ornamental planting in gardens, particularly those in coastal regions, due to its attractive silvery foliage and hardiness.
Hedges and Windbreaks: Its dense growth habit makes it very effective for creating hedges and providing protection from strong coastal winds.
Dune Stabiliser: Its robust root system and ability to form dense stands make it a valuable plant for stabilising coastal sand dunes, helping to prevent erosion.
Timber/Wood: The hard, heavy, and durable wood is used for various purposes, including making fence posts, poles, and as fuel. Its termite resistance adds to its value.
Traditional Medicine: In traditional medicine, the leaves are used to treat various chest complaints, coughs, and colds. They are also used as a disinfectant and, when powdered, as snuff for headaches.
Ecology:
Pollination: The small, yellowish-white flowers are pollinated by insects.
Seed Dispersal: The hairy achenes are effectively dispersed by wind, allowing the plant to spread rapidly, especially in disturbed coastal environments.
Habitat and Food Source: It provides valuable food and shelter for a variety of birds and insects in its natural habitat.
Pioneer Species: Tarchonanthus littoralis often acts as a pioneer species, being one of the first plants to colonise disturbed land, such as after dune erosion or clearing.
Dune Succession: It plays an important role in coastal dune succession, helping to build up stable plant communities in these dynamic environments.
Distribution and habitat:
Tarchonanthus littoralis is found along the coast of South Africa, extending into neighbouring countries.
South African Provinces: It is naturally found in the Western Cape (including the Cape Peninsula), Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Beyond SA: Its natural range also extends northwards into Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Habitat: It typically grows in coastal bush, on sand dunes, and along the margins of coastal forests. It is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the seashore environment.
Derivation of name:
The genus name, Tarchonanthus, comes from two Greek words: tarchon, meaning 'tarragon', and anthos, meaning 'flower'. This refers to the tarragon-like smell of some species within this genus.
The specific epithet, littoralis, is a Latin word meaning 'of the seashore'. This directly points to the plant's natural habitat along coastal areas.
The common name "Coastal Camphor Bush" directly refers to its habitat and the camphor-like scent of its leaves. "Silver Tree" refers to the silvery appearance of its foliage.
Historical aspects:
Tarchonanthus littoralis has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine by indigenous communities for its therapeutic properties. Its durable wood has also been a traditional resource for construction and fuel, reflecting its long-standing utility in the regions where it grows. Its role in coastal ecosystems as a stabilising and pioneering species highlights its historical ecological importance.
Interesting facts:
If you crush the leaves of the Coastal Camphor Bush, you'll be greeted by a strong, refreshing camphor-like smell!
It's a clever survivor – its fluffy seeds are perfectly designed to be blown by the wind, helping the plant spread easily along the coast.
This plant is like a natural bodyguard for sand dunes, helping to stop erosion and create new places for other plants to grow.
Despite one of its common names being "Silver Tree," it's not the same famous Silver Tree (Leucadendron argenteum) you might know from Table Mountain – this one is its own special kind of silver!
Growing tips:
Propagation: You can easily grow this plant from fresh seeds or from cuttings.
Seeds: Sow fresh seeds in a well-drained growing medium. They usually germinate fairly quickly, taking about 2 to 4 weeks.
Cuttings: If you prefer, semi-hardwood cuttings also root easily.
Growth Rate: Once established, Tarchonanthus littoralis is known to be a fast-growing plant.
Watering: While drought tolerant once mature, ensure young plants get enough water, especially during dry spells, to help them establish strong roots.
Aspect: Plant it in a spot where it gets plenty of full sun.
Soil: It adapts well to sandy and well-drained soils.
Frost: It's moderately frost hardy, but if you're in an area with very harsh frosts, young plants might benefit from some protection.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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