Info > Why "The Camphor Tree"?

I named this Totoro website The Camphor Tree because, supposedly, O Totoro lives in a giant camphor tree.

 

Interesting Camphor Tree Information

Camphor trees are amazing flora. They live for a very long time and there is much folklore surrounding them. In ages past, the trees provided people with beautiful wood for crafts as well as camphor, which was used as medicine.

The camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is the official tree of many cities in Japan including Hiroshima City. Its Japanese name is kusu. The largest living tree in Japan is a camphor tree in Kamou (Kam̄), Kagoshima.

Today, the camphor tree is a popular ornamental plant. You will often find it in well-established neighborhoods. It's also quite popular for bonsai.

Although camphor trees are quite beautiful and rich in history, it's important to note that in many parts of the world (including much of the Southern USA), camphor trees are seen as invasive. Their seeds spread easily through weather and wildlife and they easily take root - often crowding out native species.

 

Camphor Tree Links

Camphor Trees in Japan

• Huge 800-year-old Kusunoki (camphor tree) outside Shoren-in Temple, Kyoto
• A giant camphor tree in Atsuta Jingu
• The Myoto Camphor Tree of Izanagi Shrine
• Meiji Jingu - Your Shrine Visit - Ema and Kiganbun
  The ema are hung around a camphor tree; look for the photo!
• 400-Year-Old Bonsai Survived Hiroshima Bombing
  Not a camphor tree, but the shape is strikingly similar to Totoro's tree.

General Information

• Wikipedia: Cinnamomum camphora
• Dave's Garden: Plant Files - Camphor Tree, Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)
• Botanical.com - A Modern Herbal: Camphor
• Information about Camphor Trees as Invasive.
• Camphor Tree Problems

Camphor Trees in Other Parts of the World

• San Diego Union-Tribune, "Old Trees Tend to Grow on Residents"
• California Registry of Big Trees: Camphor Tree in Sacramento

Please do not email me with your questions regarding camphor trees. This is the only page on Totoro.org that discusses camphor trees at all. This is a Totoro website, not a camphor tree website.