Camphor Bush (Tarchonanthus camphoratus)

Family: Asteraceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Commonly found in Africa, Tarchonanthus camphoratus is a small tree or shrub growing about 6 m in height and 40 cm in bole diameter. It is much-branched with a narrow crown and gray, cracked bark. It is a dioecious species. Leaves are narrowly oval with white covering underneath. Fruits are achene. The leaves emit a strong smell of camphor. It can be chewed or smoked, or made into tea.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste of camphor. — The leaves have the taste of camphor.; They are chewed, smoked or taken as a snuff.; They are slightly narcotic.; A tea is made from the leaves.

Habitat & North American Range

A common plant of the savannah biome, dry forest margins or secondary deciduous bushland, woodland and wooded grassland often dominant or co-dominant and commonly associated with Acacia spp. and Adansonia digitata. (Zone 9)