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Camphora officinarum Nees
Camphortree
Synonym(s): Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl
Not native to Florida
This plant is an invasive exotic that is altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.
This species should never be planted (many with this designation are prohibited by law), and generally should be removed whenever possible.
An occassional tree of disturbed hammocks, more frequently found in landscapes in much of Florida from Lee and St. Lucie Counties northward. Also found in the southeastern coastal states from North Carolina to Texas, plus California. Native to Asia.
Leaves are alternate, ovate, simple with wavy margins, having a shiny green upperside with three basal veins and obvious pinnate veins above. Leaves are 4-10cm (1-1/2 to 4 in.) long and 2-5cm (3/4 to 2 in.) wide. The small cream-colored flowers appear in open spreading clusters. Fruit is a round black drupe 9mm (~3/8 in.) in diameter attached to a cup shaped receptacle. The leaves give off a distinctive smell of camphor when crushed.
Camphora officinarum is a member of the Lauraceae - Laurel family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
iNaturalist profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Sep 10, 2025
