Though the camphor laurel is a nusicance (or worse) in a number of areas, it's smoke is toxic and it can leave a most unpleasant coating on the inside of your chimney. It probably isn't a good idea...
I've burnt lilac. It's a very hard and very dense wood that burns well and very slowly but needs to be well seasoned. As it usually comes from a small tree, the diameter should be relatively small so...