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Camphor Laurel is a large evergreen tree that was introduced
to Australia from South East Asia, in the early 1800’s.
As widespread clearing of land made way for farming, it
was later realized that shade was needed for stock so
Camphor Laurel was planted because of its prolific growth.
It was also commonly planted in school yards for its
wonderful shade property. A comprehensive wood property
report on Camphor Laurel can be viewed at
www.privateforestry.org.au
The Camphor Laurel species here has now developed into
somewhat of a hybrid creating magnificent grain and color.
The species is an invasive woody weed capable of
aggressively replacing native trees along watercourses and
on soil types which formerly supported rainforests. see
further information at the NSW Department of Primary
Industries.
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forests
The infestation and spread of Camphor Laurel is aided by
birds dispersing the seed and its spread is particularly
prevalent in disturbed landscapes, thereby contributing to
soil erosion and the demise of native Flora and Fauna.
Camphor Laurel has long been recognized as a serious
environmental weed species in Australia, and control
programs advocate integrated removal and replacement with
native trees. See info at the department of natural
resources and water www.nrw.qld.gov.au
and the National Association of Forest Industries
www.nafi.com.au
Salvaging of Camphor Laurel provides a good source of
ethically acceptable timber. The timber is highly prized by
wood turners and furniture makers.
Camphor Laurel has also, long been recognized for its
unique anti-bacterial properties, making it an ideal surface
for food preparation. University testing has proven it be
far superior to plastic, glass, and other timbers.
The following is an extract of the study
Mean number of organisms per board
from testing
|
Organism |
Type of board |
| |
Camphor
Laurel |
Cedar |
Plastic |
Glass |
|
Fungi |
3.3 |
8.0 |
9.7 |
5.7 |
|
Bacteria |
0.7 |
1.7 |
7.3 |
8.0 |
| TOTAL |
4.0 |
9.7 |
17.0 |
13.7 |
Tests carried out by Alan Waterson
B.Sc. (Hons) Dip Ed.
Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW. April 2002
(copyright)
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