Cinnamomum camphora, commonly called the camphor tree (Kapur), is a large evergreen tree of the Lauraceae family famed for the camphor distilled from its leaves, wood and roots. Its glossy, waxy leaves release a distinct camphor scent when crushed, and the smooth-barked trunk supports a dense, rounded canopy that casts cool shade.
In India it is planted as an avenue and shade tree in cooler hill stations and across the plains, and is valued for the natural camphor (karpura) traditionally used in pujas, Ayurveda and aromatherapy. It is slow to moderate growing, long-lived and tolerant of a wide range of soils once established.
Young trees are sometimes container-grown for gardens and large landscapes, but the species ultimately needs space, as mature specimens can reach great size with broad, surface-rooting systems.
Specifications
| Family |
Lauraceae |
| Native region |
East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam) |
| Mature height |
15-25 m (can exceed 30 m in old trees) |
| Mature spread |
10-18 m canopy |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Foliage |
Evergreen, glossy ovate leaves, aromatic when crushed; new flush often pinkish-red |
| Flower colour |
Small, pale yellow to creamy white |
| Flower season |
Spring to early summer (Mar-May) |
| Climate zone |
Subtropical to warm temperate; tropical highlands |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun for a dense, well-formed canopy |
| Watering |
Water regularly when young to establish; mature trees are drought-tolerant and need little extra water |
| Soil / mix |
Deep, well-drained loamy or sandy soil; tolerates a wide pH range but dislikes waterlogging |
| Temperature |
Thrives at 15-32 C; tolerates light frost when mature but young plants need protection |
| Humidity |
Adapts to moderate and high humidity; no special requirement |
| Fertilizer |
Apply balanced NPK or well-rotted organic manure once or twice a year in growing season for young trees |
| Pruning |
Prune in late winter to shape and remove dead or crossing branches; tolerates hard pruning |
| Repotting |
For containerised young plants, repot every 1-2 years into a larger pot until ground-planted |
| Propagation |
By fresh seed; also semi-hardwood cuttings and air layering, though seed is most common |
| Pests & problems |
Generally hardy; watch for scale, mealybugs and occasional leaf-spot or root rot in poorly drained soil |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic. Camphor in the leaves, wood and oil is poisonous if ingested and harmful to dogs, cats and children; keep away from pets and young children |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
- Shade and avenue tree for large gardens, parks, campuses and roadsides.
- Source of natural camphor (karpura) used in Hindu pujas, incense and aromatherapy.
- Aromatic timber used for furniture and chests, valued for its insect-repellent scent.
- Essential oil used in traditional medicine, balms and inhalants.
Growing tips
Plant at the onset of the monsoon (June-July) so seedlings establish with natural rainfall. Choose an open, sunny spot with deep, free-draining soil and ample room for the spreading roots and canopy.
Water young trees through the first two or three dry seasons, then taper off as they become drought-hardy. Mulch the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. In frost-prone north Indian plains and hills, shield young plants in their first couple of winters. Keep well away from buildings, drains and paving, as the vigorous surface roots can lift hard surfaces.
