Camphor

Specs

Common Names

Camphor, Camphor Laurel

Scientific Name

Cinnamomum camphora

Origin

Native to southeast Asia, widely planted throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide

Appearance

Color can be highly variable depending on species and growing conditions; generally a light brown, frequently with shades of gray, red, or olive green. Occasionally contains darker streaks. Paler sapwood isn’t always clearly differentiated from the heartwood. Burls are also commonly seen, and are considered highly decorative. Grain can be straight, interlocked, and/or wavy. Uniform medium texture with a high natural luster and a slightly greasy feel. Endgrain: Semi-ring porous or diffuse-porous; solitary and radial multiples; medium to large pores (two distinct sizes in semi-ring-porous samples) in no specific arrangement, few; tyloses occasionally present; parenchyma vasicentric, confluent; medium-width rays, spacing normal.

Avg. Dried Weight

33 lbs/ft3 (520 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

950 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

11,670 lbf/in2 (80.5 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,676,000 lbf/in2 (11.56 GPa)

Crushing Strength

5,820 lbf/in2 (40.1 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 3.1%, Tangential: 5.4%, Volumetric: 8.7%, T/R Ratio: 1.7

Durability

Rated as durable, with mixed resistance to various insect attacks.

Workability

Camphor’s moderate density makes it easy to shape and machine with minimal effort. Areas of interlocked grain may cause tearout issues, but complications are usually minimal. Glues and finishes well.