Particulars

Arboretum name: Kusunuki: Camphor Tree
Japanese name: Kusunoki
Species / Family: Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl/Lauraceae
Okinawan name: Kusunoki

Plant Characteristics

Kusunoki, or Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree) is native of the southern Kanto region of Japan, Taiwan and China (south of Yosuko). The Kusunoki presently found in mountain fields across Okinawa is believed to be a secondary species that spread from the ones introduced to this region long ago. It is an evergreen tree, reaching up to 12 meters tall and 2 meters in diameter, with small cracks running vertically in the bark. The leaves grow alternately on the stem, and are shiny and oval-shaped with pointy tips. On the back of the leaves are tiny air-holes in which mite-like insects live. Tiny, yellow green flowers bloom from March to May. The fruit is globular and turns blackish purple when ripe.

Uses

Tree (as a whole): Camphorated Fragrance, Moss Repellent, Medications
Trees: Parks, Streets 　
Wood: Furniture, Building Material, Shipbuilding Material

Calendar of best viewing periods

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