The Camphor Bush, afrikaans Kamferbos, latin Tarchonanthus Camphoratus, is widespread throughout Africa, from Somalia to the Western Cape. It is an evergreen shrub or tree that can reach up to 9 meters, but mostly you will encounter it in the form of a bush. Note the many smaller camphor bushes in the vicinity! The distinct colour difference between the upper- and underside of the velvetty leaves make a good indentification pointer. Crush the leaves and you will smell the camphor. A hot poultice of the leaves is applied to the chest to treat asthma and other chest problems. Tea made from the leaves is a good cure for stomach ache. Green branches are burnt and the smoke inhaled to cure headaches and blocked sinuses. A valuable fodder tree, it is used by game and other animals and is often planted in arid areas. The agressive root system has good soil-binding capabilities and thus it can be planted to combat erosion. Also popular as a bonsai, the wood of the tree is termite resistant, makes for good walking sticks and is a good fuel that burns even when only semi-dry.