Camphor tree
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)
The Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is a large evergreen tree that is native to East Asia, specifically China, Japan, and Taiwan. It is known for its aromatic bark and leaves, which are used to produce camphor, a compound with various medicinal uses.
Pronunciation
Camphor Tree: /ˈkamfər triː/
Etymology
The term "Camphor" comes from the French camphre, itself from Medieval Latin camfora, from Arabic kafur, from Malay kapur Barus which means "the chalk of Barus". Barus was the name of an ancient port located near modern Sibolga city on the western coast of Sumatra island. This port traded in camphor obtained from laurel trees (Cinnamomum species) that grow in Sumatra and Borneo.
Description
The Camphor Tree can grow up to 20-30 meters (66-98 feet) tall. The leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance and smell of camphor when crushed. The small, white flowers are produced in panicles. The fruit is a small black drupe.
Medicinal Uses
The camphor obtained from the bark and wood of the Camphor Tree has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is used as a treatment for minor burns, insect bites, and other skin irritations. It is also used as a decongestant and cough suppressant, and has mild analgesic properties.
Related Terms
- Cinnamomum: The genus of evergreen trees and shrubs to which the Camphor Tree belongs.
- Camphor: A waxy, flammable, transparent solid with a strong aroma, obtained from the wood of the Camphor Tree.
- Drupe: A type of fruit in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a shell of hardened endocarp with a seed inside.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Camphor tree
- Wikipedia's article - Camphor tree
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