Cinnamomum camphora

Cinnamomum camphora tree commonly known as Camphor tree, it is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 20 – 30 metres tall. The leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance and smell of camphor when crushed. In spring it produces bright green foliage with masses of small white flowers. The Cinnamomum camphora produces clusters of black berry like fruit around 1cm in diameter. It has a pale bark that is very rough and fissured vertically.

Camphor is a white crystalline substance obtained from the tree Cinnamomum camphora.

Camphor has been used for many centuries as a culinary spice, a component of incense and as a medicine. Camphor is also an insect repellent as flea – killing substance.

The Camphor tree is native to Taiwan, southern Japan, Southeast China and Indochina, where it is cultivated for camphor and timber production. The production and shipment of camphor, in a solid, waxy form was a major industry in Taiwan 1895 to 1945. It was used medically as well as an important ingredient in the production of smokeless gun powder and celluloid.

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