Fauna
Plant

Camphor Tree

Cinnamomum camphora

Also known as Camphor Laurel, Camphorwood, Japanese Camphor

Camphor trees feature dense, rounded canopies of glossy evergreen foliage that releases a pungent medicinal aroma when bruised. Small yellowish-white spring flowers give way to clusters of dark, berry-like drupes that attract fruit-eating birds across East Asia. While long prized for timber and essential oil distillation, these vigorous growers quickly escape cultivation and establish dense stands in warm ecosystems worldwide.

EvergreenAromaticTree
Camphor Tree reference
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
ThreatsHabitat clearing in parts of native range; managed as invasive elsewhere
HabitatsSubtropical forests, riverbanks, urban areas, disturbed woodlands
Life span100–500+ years
Classification
  1. OrderLaurales
  2. FamilyLauraceae
  3. GenusCinnamomum
  4. SpeciesCinnamomum camphora
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Foliage and berries contain toxic camphor; wild berries have toxic look-alikes, so never ingest wild plant parts.
Why it is dangerous
Contains high levels of camphor terpenes that cause severe gastrointestinal distress, confusion, and potential neurological symptoms if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by pale gray bark that becomes deeply fissured with age, glossy oval leaves with three main veins, and a strong aromatic scent.
What to do
Safe to touch and crush leaves for identification, but keep all plant parts out of reach of children and pets.
Responsible observation
  • Leaf Identification: Crush a fallen green leaf between your fingers to detect the sharp, distinctive camphor scent.
  • Observing Seasonal Changes: Look for small, pale yellow blooms in spring followed by glossy black fruits in autumn.
Related species
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