Tarchonanthus camphoratus, commonly known as camphor bush or leleshwa in Kenya, is a semi-deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including savannas, bushveld, and dry woodland areas across Africa south of the Sahel. It typically grows up to 20 feet tall and has a spread of about 10-15 feet. The plant’s twigs and younger stems are covered in a white felt-like tomentum, and it has dark olive-green leaves that emit a strong camphor scent when bruised. The camphor bush produces small, inconspicuous cream or yellow flowers that are followed by fluffy seed heads, which are wind-dispersed.

The camphor bush is valued for its aromatic leaves and its ability to thrive in dry, challenging environments, making it suitable for xeriscaping and as a windbreak in arid regions. It is also used for medicinal purposes in its native range, and the wood is sometimes utilized for carving. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. However, it can be potentially invasive in some parts of the world, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0