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Camphor Laurel

Camphor tree, Camphorwood or camphor laurel
Cinnamomum camphora T. Nees & Eberm.  (Lauraceae)

Synonyms: Camphora officinarum (Bauh).; Cinnamomum officinarum( Bauh).; Laurus camphora L.; Persea camphora (Kaempf).; Persea camphora (Spreng.)

Camphor laurel a large evergreen spreading tree which can reach 20 metres. It has bright green foliage in spring, which gives off the characteristic camphor smell if you crush the leaves. Camphor laurel is native to Southeast Asia. Many people find the tree attractive and it is often used as a shade tree in gardens, parks and schools. However, it has escaped and spread into our waterways, native bushlands and forests. The leaves do not readily break down and should not be used as mulch in the garden, as the toxins in the leaves can stop other plants from growing.

Vectors: Camphor laurel produces large quantities of black fruit in autumn that attract native and exotic birds. As the seed can germinate in open spaces or dense bushland, when the birds fly off with the fruit new plants spring up in any situation.

Physical control: Young seedlings can be pulled up roots and all. Larger trees will need professional help.

Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered.