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. Continue reading
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