Tarchonanthus camphoratus
| Tarchonanthus camphoratus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Foliage and flower heads, Nature's Valley, South Africa | |
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| Habit | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tarchonanthus |
| Species: | T. camphoratus
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| Binomial name | |
| Tarchonanthus camphoratus | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Tarchonanthus camphoratus (known as camphor bush for its scent, or leleshwa in Kenya), is a shrub or small tree, widespread in Africa south of the Sahel.
Description
The camphor bush can reach up to 6 meters in height. The twigs and younger stems are white-felted, as are the undersides of the leaves. The upper leaf surface is dark olive-green. Bruised leaves smell strongly of camphor. Tarchonanthus camphoratus is
Cultivation and uses
Tarchonanthus camphoratus wood is fragrant, close-grained, attractive, durable and rich in aromatic oils. It is used as wood fuel and a source of charcoal.[3][4] It is also used as a traditional building material, in horticulture, and in tribal papermaking. Leleshwa is also a source of aromatic oils[5][6] used as fragrances. Its leaves are used by the Maasai to scent their homes and persons.
Medicinal use
Tarchonanthus camphoratus is used as a traditional remedy for respiratory illnesses.[7] The species has wide range of local uses, including dental hygiene.
Gallery
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Trunk and bark -
Wood
References
- ^ The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 1 July 2016
- ^ Hilliard, O.M. Compositae in Natal. University of Natal Press, 1977. pp. 110-112.
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- ^ [1] "Tarchonantus Camphoratus Herba", Google Docs.