Medium to large tree native to Taiwan, Japan and China. Crushed leaves and cut branches have a distinct camphor smell. Green branchlets. For more information see Camphor Laurel in the Weeds to Whack section of this web site.
Why it’s bad
Camphor Laurel’s toxic chemicals poison local fauna and suppress competition from native plants. Colonises disturbed waterways, becomes dense forest.
Control
Saplings can be cut at ground level and the stumps painted with herbicide. Larger trees need professional crews.
Alternatives
Brown Myrtle, or any of the local Cryptocarya species especially Three-veined Laurel Cryptocarya triplinervis. Also Murrogun, Pepperberry, Jackwood and Glossy Laurel.
Photo: Mark Crocker
Native alternative: Brown Myrtle Choricarpia leptopetala. Photo: Mark Crocker
