The Cinnamomum camphora, or Camphor Tree, is a large, evergreen tree native to East Asia, known for its glossy, aromatic leaves, spreading canopy, and historical significance. Growing up to 20–30 meters tall, it features leathery, oval-shaped leaves with a glossy green upper surface and paler underside. In spring, small clusters of yellow-green flowers appear, followed by black, berry-like fruit. The tree's bark and leaves produce camphor oil, valued for its medicinal and aromatic properties.
This hardy and long-lived tree is a popular choice for ornamental planting in parks, large gardens, and avenue plantings.
Specifications:
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Height: 20–30 meters
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Width: 15–20 meters
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Native to: East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam)
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Foliage: Glossy, aromatic green leaves with a leathery texture; evergreen
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Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Conditions:
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils; tolerates a wide range of soil types
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Light: Full sun to partial shade
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Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
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Climate: Thrives in subtropical, tropical, and warm temperate regions
Additional Features:
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Flowers: Small yellow-green clusters in spring, followed by black, berry-like fruit
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Uses: Ideal for ornamental planting, shade trees, and avenue plantings in large landscapes
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Spacing: Plant 10–15 meters apart for individual or grouped plantings
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Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care; prune to shape or remove deadwood if necessary
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Pest Resistance: Generally resilient, but monitor for pests in non-native regions
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Environmental Impact: Widely planted for its shade and beauty, but can be invasive in some regions
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Aromatic Benefits: Produces camphor oil, historically used in medicine and perfumery
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Longevity: Extremely long-lived, often thriving for centuries
The Camphor Tree is a resilient and majestic tree, perfect for creating shade and structure in large landscapes, but it should be planted with care due to its potential invasiveness in non-native areas.
