Also known as: Camphor
Laurel
Family: Lauraceae Photo
© Hugh Nicholson
The introduction of Camphor Laurel
Camphor Laurel seeds were brought to Australia in 1822 and the plant was re-introduced
in 1855 and widely distributed to horticulturalists and botanical garden etc.
around that time. With the removal of the Big Scrub Rainforest and the establishment
of farms it was recommended by botanists as a good replacement tree for a number
of reasons. It was used for windbreaks, containment of soil erosion, and as
an ornamental garden tree - hence many large specimens can be seen today in
school yards and older established public places.
Throughout the 20th century, as a result of the decline of the dairy industry, camphor laurels have been allowed to proliferate on disused pasture along the coastal hinterland of NSW and parts of Qld. Camphor laurels were still recommended for planting up until the 60's and 70's when it was realised that they were fast becoming a weed in the same category as other introduced plants such as lantana and groundsel bush.
As a result, landholders now find themselves with a problem on their hands
with the necessary removal of these trees, in particular where birds spread
them into remnant bushland and along fence lines. The prevailing attitude of
people on the land is to remove them by localised poisoning and/or felling and
burning. The trees are also considered an obstruction to rainforest regeneration
due to the fact that they inhibit expansion of native plant growth.
Identification
Camphor Laurel leaves are bright green in colour, and have wavy edges. Camphor
Laurel will flower prolifically early in Summer. The flowers are tiny, and white-cream
in colour. The fruit/seed is black, shiny and prolific and can be present from
Winter through to Spring. The root structure contains massive lateral and tap
roots.
One of the Camphor Laurel's most noticeable characteristics is the strong camphor smell which the leaves emit when they are crushed.
Reproduction
Camphor Laurel will germinate readily from seed, suckers and will also coppice
from damaged roots. An adult tree will produce over 100,000 seeds per year,
which are then spread by fruit-eating birds.
Uses
Being a native to Asia, the tree has cultural significance to Asian peoples
and has been used for centuries for scent, camphor oil, crystallised camphor
blocks for use in religious ceremonies and for medicinal propartions. It is
also considered a valuable timber for furniture and carvings, in particular
icons.Camphor laurel growing in this area has extraordinary colour and grain
and as a result there have been times in our recent history where we have exported
timber to Asia and later re-imported it as a finished product.
The use of this timber locally is limited but many people are starting to realise its value for furniture. There are many fine craftsmen in the region who make some of the highest quality furniture available from this unwanted tree. The Australian Camphor Laurel Timber Association has been formed to promote the commercial and artistic uses of camphor laurel timber as well as other objectives relating to research, fostering awareness of Australian grown camphor laurel and providing support to millers. (PO Box 1320, Lismore 2480).
If you have dead camphor laurel logs on the ground they can be used in eroded areas to rehabilitate the erosion by lying them on the ground across the slope and planting in the built up soil. They will also provide habitat for lizards, frogs and other ground creatures.
Controlled eradication and legisaltion
Camphor laurel has been declared noxious in Council areas of Copmanhurst, Maclean,
Pristine Waters, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Lismore and portions of Ballina Council.
Several other councils are in the process of seeking declaration. These regulations
allow for gradual removal of trees depending on size. Camphor laurel is not
declared in Byron Shire although it is prolific in many areas and spreading.
It has been found that the camphor laurel forests have become important habitat
with food resources for fauna including rainforest pigeons, some of which are
threatened species. Also threatened flora species are often found in camphor
laurel forests. Therefore, a program of gradual removal and replacement with
alternative habitat, to include
native laurels and other fruiting rainforest trees, preferably those which fruit
in Winter & Spring should be considered. As these are slow to mature, a
time frame is favoured for removal and replacement.
There is other legislation affecting the control of camphor laurel however in Byron shire permission under the Tree Preservation order is not required to control camphor laurel trees unless they are greater than 1M in diameter, measured at breast height and located in urban and village zones. Development consent is required to remove and/or prune camphor laurel trees which are heritage listed. Approval licences may be required from DL&WC, NP&WS, DUAP, EPA and local Fire Authority.
Eradication Techniques
Seedlings: hand-pull or spray (Glyphosate 200ml/10L + LI 700 50ml/10L or Glyphosate 200ml/10L+ Metsulfuron Methyl 1.5gm/10L + Agral 2ml/10L)
Saplings: Cut, Scrape and Paint (Glyphosate 1:1.5)
Trees: Drill, Frill or Spear (Glyphosate 1:1.5) or Cut, Scrape and Paint (Glyphosate 1:1.5)