Family Asteraceae
Tarchonanthus camphoratus grows from 2-9m high. It is a
semi-deciduous small tree that grows mostly in large uniform groups, but it
grows larger and more densely when it grows alone among other trees in the
bush. The branches and foliage make a V-shaped canopy. The stem is covered with
pale brown bark. Leaves are grey green above and pale grey and felted
underneath, with prominent venation on the underside. The leaves are narrow,
with entire or finely toothed margins.
The creamy-white flowers are borne in a branched inflorescence on the
terminal end of the branch. The fruits are covered with fluffy cottonwool-like
hairs, and are produced mostly in March to November. These woolly, white
fruiting heads are strongly scented and most attractive. Male and female
flowers are borne on separate trees.
This interesting small tree with its attractive grey foliage is particularly
suited to tough conditions. From sites blasted by wind and coastal sea spray to
dry inland gardens, it performs well. It is even able to shoot from the base if
burnt almost to the ground. If you are looking for a survivor for your
difficult landscape site- this is it!
The name
Tarchonanthus is derived from the Greek word meaning funeral
flower. This name is divided into two parts, 'Tarchos', which means funeral
rites and 'Anthos' meaning flower. It is unclear why this name was given, but
Jackson (1990) suggests it may have to do with the camphorous smell. The name
camphoratus
refers to the strong smell of camphor given off when the leaves are crushed.
The camphor bush is widespread in Southern Africa. It grows in thickets of
bushveld, grassland, forest and semi-desert. It grows mostly in sandy soils in
the low-lying and sand forest of the coast.
The camphor bush is used for medicinal purposes. Problems such as blocked
sinuses and headache can be healed by inhaling the smoke from the burning green
leaves. Drinking boiled mixture of leaves and water can help to treat coughing,
toothache, abdominal pain and bronchitis. Leaves can also be used for massaging
body stiffness and also as a perfume. The cottonwool like seedheads were used
to stuff cushions.
Animals such as kudu, giraffe, impala and springbok browse the leaves of
this tree.
There are only a few species of
Tarchonanthus.
T trilobus
is also in cultivation. The genus occurs in Africa and Arabia. It is closely
related to
Brachylaena, which also provides attractive, grey-leafed,
small trees for the garden.
Info: http://www.plantzafrica.com
