Borneo Camphorwood

Overview

Native distribution of the plant covers Sumatra, Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.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.

Vernacular Names

Paiji (Malay), Kapur anggi (Brunei), Capur (French)

Agroecology

A plant of the humid tropics. Found in Undisturbed mixed dipterocarp forests at elevations up to 300 m. Usually found growing on hillsides and ridges with sandy soils. Prefers a well-drained, moist soil in full sun or partial shade.

Morphology

• Trunks - Girth size can reach up to 1.8 m wide, surface fissured.
• Leaves - Green broadly ovate leaves, coriaceous and alternate arrangement, measuring about 4 - 6 cm long and 2 - 4 cm wide, acumen up to 1.5 cm long, petiole about 0.5 - 1 cm long.
• Flowers - 5-petaled flowers borne on axillary and terminal panicle inflorescence up to 7 cm long, petals white and oblong, yellow anthers present, stamens 30 and shorter than the style.
• Fruits - Fruit is a winged nut, consist of 5 wings up to 6 cm long.

Cultivation

Propagated by seeds

Chemical Constituents

Borneol, a-pinene, b-caryophyllene, 1.8-cineole, limonene, p-cymene, camphor, camphene, terpineol, sesquiterpenes, resins.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• 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.
• 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.