Camphor tree
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameCinnamomum camphora
Trade / common nameCamphor tree
FamilyLauracea
RegionAustralia and New Zealand · Eastern Asia · Southern Asia · Asia · South-eastern Asia · Southern Africa · North America
Distribution
Cinnamomum camphora occurs throughout much of Southeast Asia but its exact distribution and abundance are not known with any certainty. Large areas of wild trees once grew in Japan and Taiwan but these have largely disappeared through over-exploitation for camphor production in the years up to the Second World War. In the U.S., it is most commonly naturalized in north and central Florida, but also escapes cultivation in southern peninsula. Naturalized also in Georgia and west to Texas. Cultivated as well in other southern states: Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and the Carolinas, and in southern California. By 1997, documented as locally common in the flora from Texas to the Carolinas.
Uses
Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Caskets, Chemical derivatives, Chests, Coffins, Figured veneer, Fuelwood, Furniture, Joinery, Light construction, Moldings, Musical instruments, Paneling, Plywood, Poles, Sporting Goods, Toys, Trunks, Veneer, Veneer: decorative
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Camphor tree
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
Camphor tree
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Red
Green/grey
Brown
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Reddish brown
Pale brown
Light buff to yellowish brown
Contains dark streaks
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Red
Yellow
Paler than heartwood
Same as heartwood
Luster
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Medium
Pronounced
Lustrous
High
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Caskets, Chemical derivatives, Chests, Coffins, Figured veneer, Fuelwood, Furniture, Joinery, Light construction, Moldings, Musical instruments, Paneling, Plywood, Poles, Sporting Goods, Toys, Trunks, Veneer, Veneer: decorative
Product Sources
Small quantities of Camphor-tree, almost entirely in veneer form, are available on the world market. For small projects, some material is available from tropical and sub-tropical regions, such as Florida, where the tree is planted and cut down when it becomes old.
Full Technical Species Profile
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