Conservation and applications of camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) in China: ethnobotany and genetic resources

Abstract

The camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl, is an arbor species in southern part of China. Many linguistic groups cultivate it for timber, medicine, pesticide, ornamental and other purposes. However, less ethnobotanical information about this important species had been reported in any international journal. This paper focused on the conservation and traditional uses of camphor tree, especially its cultural significance among different ethnic groups. The approaches including literature surveys, ethnobotany, semi-structured interviews and participatory observation were adopted in the study. Six sites from Hunan, Jiangxi and Guizhou provinces had been selected for fieldwork, and 127 informants in both rural and urban areas had been interviewed. The results showed traditional uses of Cinnamomum camphora covered garden and ornamental, timber (construction, furniture and sculpture), medicine, pesticide and repellents, and cultural purposes. The most important value is its application in culture and religion. One city, 13 townships and 75 villages in southern part of China have been named after it. Camphor tree has been elected as city tree by 2 provinces and 36 cities. Citizens with C. camphora as their city tree covered a population of 172.81 millions. A lot of ancient camphor trees have been maintained in both rural and urban areas. Some of these heritage trees were cultivated 2000 years ago. Many of them have been regarded as sacred trees. The local people worship and conserve these sacred trees. The fact that many heritage trees and sacred trees of C. camphora were maintained in southern part of China showed its irreplaceable position in traditional Chinese culture, which improved the conservation and sustainable uses of this species.