Common Name: Borneo Camphor

General Information

Dryobalanops aromatica is a tall, evergreen tree with a large, globose crown; it usually reaches a height of 40 - 50 metres, with occasional specimens up to 60 metres tall238]. It has a straight bole that can be unbranched for 30 metres and is usually 1 - 1.5 metres in diameter with exceptional specimens to 3 metres316].
The tree is a source of camphor, used medicinally and in perfumes, and is also the most important source of a high quality timber, known as kapur, which is used locally and also traded[, ]. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, with evidence that it has been traded internationally since at least the 6th century AD[].
The tree is classified as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2009), with only small subpopulations of the species having been found in forest reserves[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Undisturbed mixed dipterocarp forests at elevations up to 300 metres[]. Usually found growing on hillsides and ridges with sandy soils[]. In secondary forests it is usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant tree[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	45.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the humid tropics.
Prefers a well-drained, moist soil in full sun or partial shade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Borneo camphor has a long history of medicinal use, both the aromatic liquid known as 'oil of camphor' and the crystallised exudate, or true camphor, being employed. A bitter, pungent, stimulant herb, it is analgesic, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic and febrifuge[].
It is used internally to treat conditions such as fainting; convulsions associated with high fever; cholera and pneumonia[].
It is used externally to treat a range of skin conditions, including ulcers, mouth ulcers, abscesses, boils, cold sores and ringworm[]. It is also used to treat rheumatism, sore throats, chest infections and conjunctivitis[].

In aromatherapy, it is used both internally and externally as an antiseptic, sedative and tonic for the heart and adrenal cortex[]. It is particularly valued for skin problems, rheumatism, infectious diseases, depression and convalescence[].

Other Uses

Young trees produce a clear yellow, aromatic liquid, known as 'oil of camphor'[]. This sometimes crystallises in cavities in the trunks of older specimens to form true camphor[].

An essential oil is obtained from the camphor. It is used in perfumes with a camphoraceous note[].

The heartwood is reddish brown to pinkish brown; it is clearly demarcated from the 4 - 8cm wide band of whitish to yellowish brown sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight or interlocked; there is a strong camphor-like smell when freshly cut. The wood is moderately heavy; soft to moderately hard; moderately durable, being resistant to fungi and dry wood borers, and moderately resistant to termites. It seasons slowly with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is stable in sevice. The wood has a fairly high blunting effect, stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; it splits easily; nailing and screwing are good, but require pre-boring; gluing is correct, though resin exudation can cause problems. It is used for a wide range of applications including house construction, bridges, boards, heavy carpentry, joinery, panelling, turnery, tool handles, boxes and crates[, , ].

Propagation

Seed -

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