Camphor Wood (Cinnamomum camphora)

 

Family - Lauraceae

 

Distribution - Australia, Burma, China, India, Japan, Korea-North, Korea-South, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United States

 

Other Names: Camphor tree, Cinnamon wood, Dalchini, Formosan camphor, Genuine, Japan camphor tree, Japanese camphor, Kalingag, Kayu, Kusonoki, Ohez, True Camphor.

 

Characteristics: Although the timber has a distinct smell of camphor, it should not be confused with Borneo or Sabah camphorwood ( Dryobalanops spp ). The timber when freshly cut is yellowish with a green-brown tinge, darkening on exposure. The sapwood is paler. It generally lacks figure, is moderately fine textured and fairly heavy at about 610 Kg/M3 when dried. The timber has a camphor like odour when fresh, but disappears in .due course. It needs care in drying as it is liable to warp and twist if dried too rapidly.

 

Working Qualities: For its weight it has excellent strength properties. It is easy to work and saw and takes nails and screws well. It glues satisfactorily.

 

Uses: Furniture, wardrobes, kists, panelling, interior and exterior joinery, flooring and light construction purposes.