Native to the Oriental countries like China, Japan, Taiwan, etc, the camphor tree, also known as Cinnamomum camphora and/or camphor laurel, is used for culinary purposes, as a component of incense and as an ingredient in herbal medicine. The camphor tree was introduced in other parts of the world like Australia and the Unites States of America in early 19th century as an ornamental tree. The camphor tree is a broadleaved evergreen that can grow up to nearly a hundred feet with a dense crown spread of nearly 20 feet (depending upon climatic conditions), making this an excellent shade tree. Its leaf is placed alternately, oval in shape with three distinct yellow colored veins. In spring, it bears inconspicuous tiny greenish white to pale yellow flowers, borne on panicles, followed by a cluster of round pea sized berries that turn black upon maturity. This evergreen tree releases a distinct odor when its leaves are crushed.
Camphor Tree Care
A camphor tree is a sturdy plant that does well in most soils, it can tolerate a wide range; clay, sandy, loamy, slightly alkaline and acidic and well-drained with a pH range of 4.3 to 8.0. It can even grow along the coastal areas with mild exposure to some sea salt. It is not quite fussy with its light requirements as well; full sun and/or partial sun will do just fine. Once established, its highly tolerant of drought like conditions. The camphor tree absolutely cannot stand water logging, its roots tend to rot. This tree does not require much fertilizing, however, if one wishes to fertilize it, use a mild fertilizer, once in year for its early 4-5 years. A camphor can be propagated through its seeds, or from cuttings taken from its side shoots. Germination and rooting is done in mid summer, in slightly humid conditions. Pruning is recommended in its early years to build a strong structure, to provide breakage resistance to its thin twigs and branches. As the camphor tree’s odor is used as an ingredient in pest repellents, it is fairly resistant to most pests and diseases. Root rot is the only camphor tree disease or problem that can bring this mighty tree down.
Camphor Tree Problems
This evergreen tree was introduced in many parts of the world for its shade and ornamental value, however, it seems to have become a problematic tree. Grown in many public gardens and spaces, as well as private gardens, the camphor tree has become an invader to its surrounding natural areas. It has a fast spreading root system that has disrupted urban drainage and sewage systems by breaking right through them. It is known as a noxious weed in many parts of Australia. Its leaves have a higher level of carbon content as compared to other trees, so when they fall, the carbon seeps into the soil, and into the water tables, degrading the quality of water in the process. The leaves that fall to the ground, compete very aggressively with other vegetation in its vicinity. Camphor trees are highly invasive and have pushed out many other native trees, even the eucalyptus (which is no pushover by tree standards). The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) has listed the camphor tree as invasive on its Category I species list of invasive species.
The camphor tree is highly toxic to human beings, as all its parts contain volatile chemical compounds. Excess inhalation of these chemicals during steam distillation for the essential camphor oil has an adverse effect on the central nervous system. Problems in respiration and/or convulsions could also occur. Children, pregnant women and the those with a compromised immune system are strongly advised not to use any camphor tree products. The berries are toxic, hence, chewing on them is not advisable.
Camphor tree problems, have made this otherwise large shade tree a cause of worry. Preventing its spread through different mechanisms is being deeply researched, to find a way to hold on to them, by finding ways to control its fruit development and maturation, as the fruit is the primary means of propagation.
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