A description of a successful direct somatic embryogenesis induction from immature zygotic embryos of a camphor tree （Cinnamomum camphora L.） is presented. After a subculture of 2-3 years, embryogenic calli could be derived from primary somatic embryos. Immature zygotic embryos were cultured on a Murashige and Skoog （MS） basal medium supplemented with a range of combinations of cytokinins （BA） and auxins （2,4-D or NAA） for somatic embryo induction. Primary somatic embryos could be induced directly in almost all PGR combinations. A positive effect of 2,4-D on somatic embryogenesis from immature zygotic embryos of camphor tree was obtained. BA at appropriate concentrations （〈 5 mg-L-1） had an effect similar to 2,4-D, whereas high concentrations （〉 5 mg·L^-1） of BA had the effect of restraining somatic embryo induction. NAA had a less positive effect on somatic embryogenesis than 2,4-D.
