Hannah+Lee+_+Cinnamomum+camphora

Introducing... __**Description of the Plant**__ Cinnamomum Camphora is a large evergreen tree with glossy leaves, which when are crushed give off the small of camphor. It produces white flowers and black berry-like fruit, as well as possesses pale bark. Camphor oil, a clear white substance is produced from the inner parts of the camphor tree. Camphor oil has a strong penetrating fragrance, bitter taste, and is cool to the touch. In large amounts, the camphor oil is toxic to humans because it stimulates the nervous systems, affecting respiration. In China, it is forbidden for pregnant women to ingest.
 * Cinnamomum Camphora**, also known as //camphor tree.//

__**Historical Origins and Cultural Significance of the Plant**__ This plant is native to Taiwan, Southern Japan, Southeast Asia, and Indochina. It was originally cultivated for camphor and timber production, and later became a major industry in Taiwan before Japan's colonial era (1895-1945). It was also used medically and as an ingredient for smokeless gunpowder. In China around 800-900 B.C., this substance was used to create a confection like ice cream. In India, camphor is used for cooking and the edible camphor is actually sold in grocery stores for use. Also, in Hindu ceremonies and poojas, camphor is burned for performing aarti. In Australia, camphor is used as ornamental trees, while in South Wales, its people consider it to be a disruptive weed! In Florida, this plant is considered an "Alien Invader" by The Plant Conversation Alliance, because it invades, and disrupts the native plant communities

__**Importation and Cultivation of the Plant in the United States**__ In the United States, camphor trees are cultivated through the planting of seeds and can grow in full sun or partial shade. This plant is very hardy, with its tolerance to clay, loam, sand, alkaline/acidic soils, and drought. It must be planted in a well-drained area.

__**Description of What We Can Learn about Culture**__

__**Sources**__ __**@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphor**__ __**@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aarti**__ __**@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamomum_camphora**__ __**@http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/cinn_cam.cfm**__ __**@http://www.medizinalpflanzen.de/systematik/7_bilder/yamasaki/yamas779.jpg**__ __**@http://www.nps.gov/plants/**__