Camwood Plant Care

Camwood (Baphia pilosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Baphia genus. Camwood is native to Guineo-Congolian forest in west-central Africa, ranging from Cameroon through mainland Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and Cabinda to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Camwood is also known as African sandalwood.

Camwood displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Camwood produces small clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Camwood every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Camwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Baphia pilosa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Camwood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Camwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Camwood every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Camwood is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Camwood can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Camwood while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Camwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Camwood can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abyssinian baphia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Camwood is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Camwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Camwood is native to Guineo-Congolian forest in west-central Africa, ranging from Cameroon through mainland Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and Cabinda to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In cooler regions, grow Camwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.