Camphor Bush, Wild Camphor Bush

Tarchonanthus camphoratus

Physical Characteristics

Tarchonanthus camphoratus is an evergreen Tree growing to 7 m (23ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Eastern Africa - Ethiopia and Somalia, south to S. Africa. Also in Angola and Botswana.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea The leaves have the taste of camphor[46 , 301 ]. They are chewed, smoked or taken as a snuff[46 , 303 ]. They are slightly narcotic[495 ]. A tea is made from the leaves[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antianxiety Antiasthmatic Antidermatosic Antispasmodic Antitussive Deodorant Diaphoretic Narcotic Odontalgic Resolvent Skin Stomachic Tonic The plant is used as a treatment for bronchitis and other chest ailments; for chilblains, tired legs and sore feet[303 ]. Problems such as blocked sinuses and headache can be healed by inhaling the smoke from the burning green leaves[295 ]. The leaves are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, narcotic, resolvent and tonic[46 , 494 , 495 ]. An infusion is used in the treatment of stomach ailments, heartburn, asthma and over-anxiety[46 , 303 ]. Drinking a boiled mixture of leaves and water can help to treat coughing, toothache, abdominal pain and bronchitis[295 ]. The leaves can also be used for massaging body stiffness[295 ]. The essential oil obtained from the leaves has been found to have excellent cosmetic and dermatological properties specially as soothing, anti-irritation, decongestant remedy for sensitive skins, dermatitis, sunburns, bedsores, etc[303 ]. The root is an ingredient of tonic soups[301 ].

Known Hazards

None known