Which tree species is the source of true camphor?

The camphor tree is the source of true camphor. More precisely, true camphor traditionally comes from Cinnamomum camphora, also called the camphor laurel, an evergreen tree native to East Asia.

For centuries, producers obtained camphor by heating or steaming chipped wood and condensing the aromatic vapors. The compound is a waxy, strongly scented terpenoid and cyclic ketone. Taiwan and Japan became especially important sources, and camphor production was once a major industry in Taiwan.

The name can cause confusion because camphor is also found in other plants. Kapur trees in Southeast Asia and camphor basil can provide camphor, while modern commercial supplies may be synthesized from turpentine-derived materials. Even so, the camphor tree is the standard botanical answer to this question.

Camphor has been used in medicines, fragrances, insect repellents and ceremonial products. It should not be confused with tea tree oil, sandalwood or clove oil, which come from different plants and have different principal compounds.