Camphora officinarum Boerh. ex Fabr.
Vernacular name: Camphor tree (Hindi: कपूर)
Species Name: Camphora officinarum Boerh. ex Fabr.
Family: Lauraceae
Habit: Large evergreen tree
Stem: Straight trunk 20-30 m, aromatic wood, furrowed gray bark.
Leaf: Alternate, ovate-lanceolate 7-10×3-5 cm, petiolate, glossy green, camphor-scented.
Flowering: Spring
Flowers: Bracteate axillary panicles; 6 small yellowish petals (valvate), 9 stamens (anthers 4-celled introrse), superior ovary (unicarpellate).
Fruit: Black drupe 1 cm, single seed.
Uses:
- Camphor extracted from wood is burnt for decongestant, air purifier and insect repellent.
- Diluted oil is applied externally to alleviate muscular pain, sprains and arthritis.
- Inhaling camphor vapours helps with bronchial inflammation and sore throat.
- Balm made from camphor helps with itching caused due to insect bites.
- Camphor used to prepare hair oils to help with dandruff and lice infestation.
- Camphor is used in aromatherapy to help with stress and improve focus.
- Plant is also known as Shinto sacred tree housing kodama spirits; Black Death fumigant; Shiva’s eternal flame incense.
