Tree or large shrub native to China and Japan, with a very dense and wide crown and an upright trunk, initially green bark that becomes gray and mottled, from which camphor is extracted. The leathery leaves can reach 18 cm, have three prominent veins, are oval-pointed in shape, initially pink, then bright green, with a glaucous underside. Flowers appear in spring-summer and are inconspicuous, while the fruits are round and black. It requires permeable and fertile soil.