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Camphor Laurel

Camphor Laurel
Photo: Delwyn Thomas
Invasive Plant
Camphor Laurel
Cinnamomum camphora
 

A large, fast-growing evergreen tree that was introduced into Australia following European settlement. It has a camphor smell to the leaves, fruits and timber. All parts are highly toxic to humans. The species is an invasive woody weed capable of replacing native trees along watercourses and on soil types which formerly supported rainforests.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Infestation and spread of Camphor Laurel is aided by birds dispersing seed. It can also sucker from its roots and often reshoots after cutting and poisoning. Prevalent in disturbed landscapes.
 
 
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Other suggested alternatives are the Silver Princess/Gungurru (Eucalyptus caesia) and Bullich (Eucalyptus megacarpa).

 

Alternative Plants

Red Iron Bark
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Red Iron Bark
Eucalyptus sideroxylon 'Rosea'
Trees and Shrubs
 

This is a stunning red flowering gum tree growing to 20 m high by 15 m wide. The bark of this tree contrasts well with the foliage which is dark green to grey-blue. It will grow successfully on many sites, including alkaline soils. For best growth, a well-drained site in full-sun is required.

Silver Tea-tree
Photo: ANBG
Alternative Plant Silver Tea-tree
Leptospermum sericeum
Trees and Shrubs
 

A dense, spreading shrub native to Western Australia that grows to 2 m high by 1.5 m wide. It's leaves are silvery grey in colour and its flowers are pink, about 2 cm in diameter, and seen mainly in spring. It is frost hardy, resistant to salt spray and thrives in full-sun.

Water Gum
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Water Gum
Tristaniopsis laurina
Trees and Shrubs
 

This evergreen Australian native tree has several new improved forms. They grow from 7 to 12 m in height depending on the conditions. The foliage is lush dark green and shiny, with distinctive copper coloured new growth. Water Gums are highly desirable landscape trees with sweetly scented yellow flowers produced in January and early February. This highly ornamental tree is well suited for use in street plantings, parks, reserves,as a garden feature, or as anelegant shade tree.

 
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