Traditional Okinawa Village and Omoro Arboretum

Cinnamomum camphora

General description

Omoro name Kusunuki
Japanese name Kusunoki
Family name Lauraceae
Okinawan name Kusunuchi

Location within the park

Characteristics

Cinnamomum camphora is found in the Kanto region and southward in Japan, Taiwan and China (in the Yangtze and southward). Cinnamomum camphora that grow naturally in the fields and mountains of Okinawa today are said to have come to Okinawa long ago and some have spread out from among those that were raised. It is a tall evergreen tree that grows to be 39.5 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 6.5 feet. Its bark has narrow vertical cracks. It has alternate leaves that are elliptically-shaped and have pointed and shiny tips. In the back of the leaf is a small hallow in which a type of mite lives. It has small, yellowish green flowers that bloom between March and May. Its spherical fruit becomes dark purple when ripe.

Utilization

【entire tree】 : Camphor is used for fragrance, insecticide and medical supplies
【tree】 : park tree, street tree
【wood】 : construction material, wood for furniture, ship building material

Best Time To See Calendar

Omorosaushi 891 of Volume 13 Kusunuki

Meaning of the song
A boat made of Cinnamomum camphora
Adjust the wake of the boat so that it is calm
It is a boat with a bright future
That is the boat of the king