Cinnamomum camphora Bush

Origin: China, Japan. Tree or large shrub, evergreen with upright habit and large, impenetrable crown, well branched. The bark is initially green, then grey with large paler patches. An oil containing camphor is extracted from all parts of the plant. Large (up to 18cm), alternate, leathery, oval-acuminate leaves with very defined veins, pinkish when they first appear and then glossy green, glaucous green on the underside. Not very showy flowers in spring-summer. The small, round fruits, black when ripe are more noticeable. Requires fertile, well drained soil.