Camphortree (Cinnamomum camphora, F. Berchtold & J. S. Presl, Prir. rostlin 2:36, 47-56, t. 8. 1825)

Family: Lauraceae

Author: J.Presl (L.)

Bibliography: F. Berchtold & J. S. Presl, Prir. rostlin 2:36, 47-56, t. 8. 1825

Year: 1825

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cinnamomum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Korea (Jeju-do), WC. & S. Japan to E. & S. Taiwan

Description

The Camphortree, scientifically known as Cinnamomum camphora, is a noteworthy species within the Lauraceae family. This tree, documented by the notable botanists F. Berchtold and J. S. Presl in their comprehensive work Prir. rostlin published in 1825, is renowned for its aromatic foliage and versatile camphor production.

Originating from the temperate and subtropical regions of East Asia, the Camphortree thrives in diverse landscapes ranging from the western and southern parts of Japan to the eastern and southern regions of Taiwan, including Korea’s Jeju-do. This geographic scope has allowed the Camphortree to adapt to a variety of climatic conditions, ensuring its survival and proliferation over centuries.

The distinctiveness of the Camphortree lies not only in its ecological adaptability but also in its cultural and economic significance. The tree is revered for its powerful fragrance, which emanates from its leaves, bark, and wood. This aroma is attributed to the presence of camphor, a substance with numerous applications in traditional medicine, insect repellent products, and even in the manufacturing of celluloid.

Botanically, the Camphortree reaches impressive heights, often growing between 20 to 30 meters tall, with a robust trunk and widespread canopy. The evergreen leaves are glossy and lanceolate, contributing to the tree’s ornamental value. When in bloom, the tree produces small, white or cream-colored flowers, which eventually give rise to dark, berry-like fruits.

In addition to its functional uses, the Camphortree holds a significant place in local traditions and practices. In many cultures within its native range, the tree is associated with health and wellness, owing to the healing properties ascribed to camphor. Additionally, it serves as a symbol of longevity and resilience, revered for its ability to withstand the test of time.

Overall, the Camphortree exemplifies a harmonious blend of natural beauty and practical utility, securing its place as a cherished component of East Asian biodiversity and horticultural heritage.

Common Names

Deu: campher, kampferbaum
Eng: camphortree, japanese camphor, japanese camphortree, camphor, camphor laurel, camphor tree, camphor-laurel, camphorwood
Spa: alcanfor, alcanforero
Por: açcanforeira, canela-canforeira, canforeira, árvore-da-camphora, árvore-da-cânfora
Fra: camphre, camphrier
Ita: canfora
Swe: kamferträd
Afr: kanferboom
Kor: nok-na-mu
En: Camphortree, Japanese camphor, Japanese camphortree, Camphor, Camphor laurel, Camphor tree, Camphor-laurel, Camphorwood
Af: Kanferboom
Fr: Camphre, Camphrier, Arbre à camphre
De: Campher, Kampferbaum
It: Canfora
Ko: Nok-na-mu
Pt: Açcanforeira, Canela-canforeira, Canforeira, Árvore-da-camphora, Árvore-da-cânfora
Es: Alcanfor, Alcanforero
Sv: Kamferträd

Synonyms

• Camphora humboldtii var. syringifolia (Lukman.)
• Camphora humboldtii (Lukman.)
• Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera (Y.Fujita)
• Camphora sieboldii (Lukman.)
• Cinnamomum camphora f. cyclophyllum ((Nakai) M.Kim)
• Cinnamomum camphora var. cyclophyllum (Nakai)
• Camphora rougieri (Lukman.)
• Cinnamomum camphora f. linaloolifera ((Y.Fujita) Sugim.)
• Camphora thwaitesii (Lukman.)
• Camphora thunbergii (Lukman.)
• Camphora wrightii (Lukman.)
• Camphora rougieri var. glandulifera (Lukman.)
• Camphora thouarsii (Lukman.)
• Camphora neesii var. microphylla (Lukman.)
• Laurus camphorifera (Salisb.)
• Cinnamomum camphoroides (Hayata)
• Cinnamomum camphoriferum (St.-Lag.)
• Camphora vera (Raf.)
• Camphora camelliifolia (Lukman.)
• Camphora camphora ((L.) H.Karst.)
• Cinnamomum officinarum (Nees ex Steud.)
• Laurus calycina (Stokes)
• Cinnamomum camphora var. hosyo ((Hatus.) J.C.Liao)
• Camphorina camphora ((L.) Farw.)
• Persea camphora ((L.) Spreng.)
• Cinnamomum camphora var. rotundifolia (Makino)
• Cinnamomum simondii (Lecomte)
• Camphora neesii (Lukman.)
• Cinnamomum henricii (Saporta ex Staub)
• Camphora officinarum var. glaucescens (A.Braun)
• Camphora zollingeri (Lukman.)
• Camphora officinarum (Nees)
• Camphora decaisnei (Lukman.)
• Camphora neesii var. pharbitifolia (Lukman.)
• Camphora oldhamii (Lukman.)
• Camphora decandollei (Lukman.)
• Camphora officinarum var. hahnemannii (Lukman.)
• Cinnamomum camphora f. parvifolia (Miq.)
• Camphora procera (Lukman.)
• Cinnamomum nominale ((Hatus. & Hayata) Hayata)
• Camphora officinarum var. hippocratei (Lukman.)
• Cinnamomum camphora subvar. hosyo (Hatus.)
• Cinnamomum camphora var. nominale (Hatus. & Hayata)
• Cinnamomum taquetii (H.Lév.)
• Cinnamomum camphora var. lanatum (Nakai)
• Cinnamomum camphora var. glaucescens ((A.Braun) Meisn.)

Distribution

• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Lily Cheng Clavel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Bresolin Vinicius (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2020 by mizuko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Carboni Vincenzo (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Dec 11, 2016 by Denis SABATIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2021 by ao ao (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Endeiza Edu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Carboni Vincenzo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2012 by P. Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by marsic tamara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Miroslav Cikan (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Miroslav Cikan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Endeiza Edu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Bresolin Vinicius (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Илья Шестопалов (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 28, 2020 by Hentschel Andres (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Cutrone Giovanni (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by 歸一 謝 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Endeiza Edu (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 24, 1967 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 6, 1971 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 5, 2016 by Yvon REPÉRANT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Denis NESPOULOUS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Enric Comas (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033991)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:463336-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl)

Specifications

Growth