Millennium Camphor King Tree

Millennium Camphor King Tree

Millennium Camphor King Tree

Millennium Camphor King Tree The Millennium Camphor King Tree, located beside Xiaohu Village in Meihu Township, Dehua County, Fujian Province, has existed for over a thousand years and is one of the nation’s celebrated Camphor King Trees. In September 1983, measurements taken by the provincial forestry department recorded its height at 28.01 meters, trunk circumference at 16.74 meters, crown spread reaching 30.08 meters from east to west and 39.95 meters from north to south. To this day, it remains lush and thriving, and is revered by locals as a “sacred tree.”

Legend has it that during the Tang Dynasty, two scholars fleeing turmoil passed through Meihu. One was surnamed Zhang, the other Lin. Exhausted, they lay down to rest beneath the camphor tree and soon fell asleep. Both dreamed simultaneously of an old man dressed in leaves who stood before them and uttered four cryptic lines: “Two surnames share my lineage true, By chance brought together here with you; Next year you’ll both on Dragon-Tiger lists rise, Return in silks to aid the people’s eyes.” When Zhang and Lin awoke, no one was around—only the towering camphor tree. Reflecting on the line “two surnames share my lineage,” they realized it pointed to the character 木 (wood) in Lin, combined with 章 (Zhang), forming 樟 (camphor). They concluded the old man must be the spirit of the camphor tree. Showing deep reverence, they bowed to the tree and decided to stay, building a home at its base. Year after year, they honored the tree with offerings during festivals, cleared away surrounding weeds, cleared blockages during mountain floods, and irrigated the area during droughts. Over time, the camphor tree flourished naturally. During the day, Zhang and Lin worked the land; at night, they studied. In the year of the imperial examinations, both successfully passed and earned the title of Jinshi (advanced scholars). Court messengers came to announce their success, posting the announcement on the camphor tree. Instantly, the leaves rustled loudly, the trunk emitted a fragrant aroma, and strings of silver coins fell from the tree to reward the messengers. After entering officialdom, Zhang and Lin served the people well. To commemorate their benevolence, local residents built a temple at their former residence, called the Xiao You Temple. The county annals include an entry about the Xiao You Temple: “In the Gengyin year of Shaoding during the Song Dynasty, bandits from Youling suddenly retreated without reason.” People believed it was the sacred power of the tree at work. Later, the natural growth patterns of the camphor tree were interpreted as omens: in bountiful years, its branches flourished; in lean years, its leaves withered, foretelling poor harvests—thus, it became a local tree of divination.

According to officials from the forestry department, the Camphor King Tree maintains such vigorous vitality thanks to its location beside a stream. The murmuring clear waters provide ample moisture to the giant camphor tree. This Camphor King Tree requires at least 3.5 tons of water per day. Its root system is extremely extensive, continuously drawing nutrients and water from the surrounding area. Farmers on the opposite bank of the stream often encounter camphor roots while plowing fields—spots located at least 60 to 70 meters away from the tree.