Cinnamomum camphora is an evergreen large tree, up to 25 m tall. Flowering in May to June.
It is the main source of camphor, which is derived from chipped wood of the stems and roots, the branchlets and the leaves.The essential oil extracted from the leaves or by steam distillation of the wood, is used medically as an antiseptic, antispasmodic and immunostimulant.
The wood is used for making furniture.
In addition to camphor, the main constituent, it contains waxes, mucilages, sitosterol and red tannins which are used as dyes. Colour varies from red to brown. When the dye is applied in combination with iron as mordant, the color becomes olive green.
