CAMPHOR LAUREL

Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) is a highly invasive evergreen tree that has a tendency to form single species communities and exclude most other desirable native vegetation.
Camphor laurel has the ability to adapt to the disturbed environment, it has prolific seed production and rapid growth rate as well as a lack of serious predators or diseases, it also has many specific attributes which enhance its weed status. Birds and other fauna readily eat the fruit and disperse the seeds. It has a very dense, shallow root system which, when accompanied by the shading provided by the canopy, suppresses the regeneration of native seedlings. It can destabilise stream banks due to undercutting by the shallow root system and the general lack of ground cover species around the trees to hold the soil in place.
Mature camphor laurel trees are large and therefore difficult and expensive to remove. Camphor laurel trees are long-lived with some trees being over 100 years old and reports of some up to 500 years old in their native habitat.
Camphor laurel trees regenerate easily after lopping. Invasion of agricultural lands by camphor laurel can cause significant impacts on productivity and the costs of control can reduce the viability of some agricultural pursuits.
Camphor laurel is mildly toxic to humans, and mild symptoms may occur if large quantities are eaten. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause nausea, vomiting and respiratory distress. Allergic skin reactions can also occur.

Recent studies have shown its fruit, seeds, leaves, roots and bark to be toxic to aquatic life, such as tadpoles, fish fingerlings and invertebrates. It is a weed of dairy farms and other agricultural lands, taking over pastures and pushing over fences. It is known to discolour milk if cows are allowed to graze the foliage. Older trees develop extensive root systems which can block drains

A commonly grown ornamental, Camphor Laurel has a fairly wide naturalised distribution. It is most common in coastal south-east Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales and can also be found in other parts of coastal New South Wales and in south-western Western Australia and in isolated parts of Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory

Spray FireHawk Bioherbicide Concentrate: 50 mL/L of water. Respray if regrowth occurs. Pull out creepers including roots.