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Info > Why "The Camphor Tree"?   

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

camphor treeInteresting 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, he 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, 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

Huge 800-year-old Kusunoki (camphor tree) outside Shoren-in Temple, Kyoto

The Official Tree of Hiroshima City (a camphor tree that survived atomic bombing)

A giant camphor tree in Atsuta Jingu.

Information about Camphor Trees as Invasive.

San Diego Union-Tribune, "Old Trees Tend to Grow on Residents"

NRRPC - Two Types of Camphor Tree?

Botanical.com - A Modern Herbal: Camphor

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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 04-Apr-2007 22:29:25 EDT
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