Watch out for camphor laurels

The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust is asking residents to keep an eye out for camphor laurel trees as the first step in eradicating them.

Declared a noxious weed in many parts of Queensland and NSW, the plant invaded areas where forests had been cleared or disturbed, usually for pasture or cultivation, according to Mr Terry Jones of the Killcare Wagstaffe Trust.

Although it preferred wetter regions, it was spreading further up catchments and hillsides, and westward into drier areas with poorer soils, he said.

The massive and spreading root systems disrupted urban drainage and sewerage systems and degraded river banks.

The camphor content of the leaf litter prevented other plants from germinating successfully, helping to ensure the tree's success against any potentially competing vegetation.

The seeds were attractive to birds and passed intact through the digestive system, ensuring rapid distribution.

Camphor laurels could be identified by strong yellow leaf veins and a distinctive sweet smell when the leaves were crushed, he said.

The camphor laurel (cinnamomum camphor) was a native of China and was introduced to Australia in the 1820s as an ornamental tree for use in gardens and public parks.

The first ones were sent as cuttings from Kew Gardens in England and were propagated by the NSW Royal Botanic Gardens for distribution throughout the colony by the 1830s.

People who find camphor laurel locally are encouraged to report them to the Killcare Wagstaffe Trust via killcarewagstaffetrust@gmail.com or PO Box 4009, Wagstaffe.

Newsletter, 27 Oct 2011 Terry Jones, Killcare Wagstaffe Trust