Camphor Bush
Tarchonanthus camphoratus
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Pl. ED87 — Tarchonanthus camphoratus
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IOverview
Overview
The Camphor Bush (Tarchonanthus camphoratus) is a tree native to regions including Angola, Botswana, Kenya, and various parts of East Africa. Known for its ornamental value and as an edible plant, it thrives in full to partial sun with a wide tolerance for soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay. This evergreen can grow up to 7 meters tall and is adaptable to dry, moist, or wet conditions, making it a versatile addition to gardens. Its leaves are commonly used for culinary purposes. Found across a broad native range extending into southern Africa and parts of the Middle East, this tree has become a familiar sight in its natural habitat due to its distinctive appearance and utility.
Quick answers
What is Camphor Bush?
The Camphor Bush (Tarchonanthus camphoratus) is a tree native to regions including Angola, Botswana, Kenya, and various parts of East Africa. Known for its ornamental value and as an edible plant, it thrives in full to partial sun with a wide tolerance for soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Camphor Bush thrives in full to partial sun and can tolerate a range of soil types from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). It prefers moist conditions but is also drought-tolerant. Hardy in zones 9-12, this plant grows well in temperate regions with adequate drainage. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. Harvest the leaves for culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Mature size
7.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Camphor Bush for the first time
7steps
Start with a Camphor Bush for its hardiness and ease of care, perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Camphor Bush plant or seeds, suitable potting soil, a container with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. Ensure your container is at least 15 cm deep and wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young plant into its container, ensuring the root ball is intact.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade to avoid sunburn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly, every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:CosmeticDeodorantEssential OilFire retardantFire starterHedgerowPest controlWind breakerSoil conditionerErosion controltextilesLumberCoppiceFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 19 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)Saudi ArabiaYemen
Africa13 regions
native (13)AngolaBotswanaEritreaEswatiniEthiopiaKenyaLesothoMalawiMozambiqueNamibiaTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · ed87da54-91be-45f4-ae5a-1c1e0d8fe0be
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