Camphora officinarum, the camphor tree, has glossy, waxy, fragrant leaves arranged alternately on its branches and are best admired from afar due to their potential toxicity
Camphora officinarum, also known as the camphor tree, camphorwood, or camphor laurel, is a large evergreen tree native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Taiwan.
The leaves of Camphora officinarum are quite distinctive:
- Appearance: They are elliptical and glossy with a waxy surface.
- Color: The upper side is a dark green, while the underside is a paler green.
- Arrangement: They are arranged alternately on the stems.
- Scent: When crushed, they release a strong, camphor-like aroma.
It's important to note that while Camphora officinarum leaves have been used traditionally for various purposes, they are potentially toxic and should not be ingested or used topically without professional medical guidance.
Here are some additional details about the leaves:
- Size: They typically range from 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) in length and 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 inches) in width.
- Veins: They have a pinnately veined pattern, with the veins branching out from a central midrib.
- Margin: The edges of the leaves are entire, meaning they have no teeth or lobes.
If you encounter a Camphora officinarum tree, it's best to admire its leaves from afar and avoid handling them unless absolutely necessary.
Ref.:
 |  |
Upvoted! Thank you for supporting witness @jswit.