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Borneo camphor

Scientific Name: Dryobalanops aromatica

Family: Dipterocarpaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Camphor and Borneo Camphor: A Deep Dive

This article explores the world of camphor, focusing on two distinct sources: true camphor and the highly prized Borneo camphor. We'll delve into their origins, uses, and botanical characteristics.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Aromatic Odor: Camphor has a strong, aromatic odor.
  • Traditional Uses: Some camphors are used as incense.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • The common name "camphor" can refer to different species.
  • Cinnamomum camphora, the camphor laurel, is one source of official camphor. It belongs to the family Lauraceae or the laurel family.
  • Dryobalanops aromatica is known as Borneo camphor, camphor tree, Malay camphor, or Sumatran camphor. It belongs to the family Dipterocarpaceae.
  • Synonyms for Dryobalanops aromatica include Dryobalanops sumatrensis, Barus camphor, Kapur barus, and dragon's brain.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cinnamomum camphora is found in Asia, particularly Borneo and Taiwan.
  • Dryobalanops aromatica is found in Asia, particularly in Sumatra, Indonesia, and Borneo. It is described as originating from a southeastern area including Indo-China, Borneo, and Sumatra.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Camphor itself is a waxy, flammable, white or transparent solid.
  • Dryobalanops aromatica (Borneo camphor) is a tall, evergreen tree with a large, globose crown, typically reaching a height of 40-50 meters, with some specimens reaching up to 60 meters.

Uses and Benefits

  • Borneo camphor (Dryobalanops aromatica) has a long history of use in Eastern medicine.
  • Borneol, a bicyclic organic compound, can be obtained by reduction from the camphor tree and is used in perfume manufacture.
  • Reportedly used to alleviate nasal congestion and dizziness.

Quirky Facts

  • Marco Polo mentioned Borneo camphor being exported from N Sumatria.
  • In the Middle Ages, Borneo camphor was the only type of camphor available in Europe.

Further Information

  • A Dictionary of Plant Sciences dictionary and Encyclopedia.com are listed as sources of information.