Florida Camphor Tree Makes Weeds Smell Like Camphor When Walked On Or Disturbed, Possible? Why?

Question

I live in North east Florida where I have a medium sized camphor tree, maybe 35 feet tall, its been pruned when it was younger and looks healthy. It doesn’t drop thousands of berries like everyone else says, maybe 200 in a whole year, I very rarely see them. But anyway, just past the edge of the branches on the other side of my driveway there’s a patch of weeds that I mow with my grass and it smells like camphor the second it is disturbed, is this a separate weed that smells similar? is it caused by the tree? or am I delusional?

Answer 1

There are several possibilities. Likely, either, the seedlings are sprouting (making a smell when cut), or the tree is leaking sap to the lawn below. Either way, there is likely no harm being done.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/camphor-tree/camphor-tree-growing.htm