camphor tree

(botany) Cinnamomum camphora. A plant of the laurel family (Lauraceae) in the order Magnoliales from which camphor is extracted.

The plant Cinnamomum camphora, a member of the laurel family (Lauraceae) and a native of China, Japan, and Taiwan. The tree is dense-topped and has shiny, dark, evergreen leaves. All parts of the tree contain camphor, an essential oil which is obtained from the finely ground wood and leaves by distillation with steam. See also Camphor; Magnoliales.