Cinnamomum camphora is a large evergreen tree in the Lauraceae family, commonly known as the camphor tree, Japanese camphor, or kapur. The genus name Cinnamomum comes from Latin via Greek kinnamomon, referring to cinnamon-like aromatic bark, while the species epithet camphora derives from Arabic kafur, ultimately from Sanskrit karpūra, meaning “camphor.” Native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Taiwan, C. camphora has been used for centuries both as a medicinal and aromatic plant.

Historically, the wood and leaves were distilled to obtain camphor for use in balms, incense, and medicinal preparations, while the tree was also valued in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine as an antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent. In modern applications, camphor extracted from C. camphora continues to be used in pharmaceutical ointments, liniments, aromatic oils, insect repellents, and perfumes. The tree’s essential oil contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and aromatic properties.