154 CHINESE ECONOMIC TREES 



Various allied species of Cinnamomum contain camphor but they are 

 not generally recognized as of equal economic importance with 0. 

 camphora. 



Camphor or a close imitation of it is also produced from other plants 

 belonging to other families, as from a species of Dryobalanus and from a 

 species cf Blumea, natives of tropical Asia outside of China. 



Cinnamomum camphora as well as other species of the genus is usually 

 propagated by seeds which are sown as soon as ripe in shaded beds. As 

 transplanting is extremely difficult and rarely attended with success, 

 either one of the two following methods is usually followed in establishing 

 plantations. 



The first method is to sow the seeds directly in the forest. Pour or 

 five seeds are usually put in each hole, under the shelter of the standing 

 trees, which afford the requisite shade for the growth of the seedlings. 

 For the first few years some care must be given them, that is, they should 

 be thinned when necessary, and kept free from weeds until they are well 

 established. The pot-grown method, however, seems preferable. The 

 seeds are sown in prepared beds and when very young the seedlings are 

 transplanted into pots, where they are allowed to remain until they are 

 ready to be set out into the permanent plantation. This should be the 

 method employed for establishing a new plantation. Camphor trees may 

 also be grown from cuttings of half-ripened wood, rooted in the spring 

 in moderate heat. This species prefers a well drained, sandy loam. 



The wood of Cinnamomum camphora is very valuable. It is light 

 brownish in color, beautifully grained, and taking a high polish. It has 

 a characteristic taste and odor, extensively used for interior finish, 

 furniture, chests and for cabinets on account of its repellent effect on 

 insects, and formerly it was much used for boat building. 



Cinnamomum cassia Blume. 



Handsome tree. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, stiff, glossy green, 

 pubescent on the lower surface, 8-16 cm. long. Inflorescence axillary, 

 paniculate, pubescent, 8-16 cm. long ; flowers small. Drupe the size of a 

 pea. 



China and Sumatra. Cultivated in warm countries for the cassia 

 bark. 



