Camphor (China)

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) (commonly known as Camphor tree, Camphorwood or camphor laurel) is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 20–30 meters tall. The leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance and smell of camphor when crushed. In spring it produces bright green foliage with masses of small white flowers. It produces clusters of black berry-like fruit around one centimeter in diameter. It has a pale bark that is very rough and fissured vertically. Camphor is a white crystalline substance that has been used for many centuries as a culinary spice, a component of incense, and as a medicine.