LAURACEAE - Laurel Family
Aromatic trees or shrubs, evergreen
Leaves alternate, simple, pinnately veined without stipules. The
leaves in the genus Sassafras are often variable, they may be
without lobes or have one or two lobes. Take a look at the
illustration of Sassafras
albidum .
Flowers bi- or unisexual, actinomorphic, in a variety of
inflorescences
Ovary superior
Fruit a drupe or berry
Seed without endosperm
30+ genera with 2000-2500 species
Divided into two subfamilies:
1. Perseeae (inflorescence thyrsoid, umbels without involucres)
2. Laureae (umbels surrounded by involucre of bracts
Economic importance - aromatic oils (cinnamon, camphor, avocado,
sassafras (oil and root bark). These aromatic oils are terpenoids,
which are long chain hydrocarbons. Terpenoids are common in flowering
plants and are found in a wide range of unrelated families. These
compounds serve as feeding deterrents, pollination attractants, and
in some cases, prevent the growth of adjacent plants. Terpenoids are
also used to flavor food, perfumes, and for medicinal purposes.
Medicinal uses - Root, twigs and leaves of Sassafras have
been used for a variety of ailments. Safrole, which is found in the
oil of Sassafras contains safrole, which is reported to be
carcinogenic and has been banned by the FDA.
Diagnostic characteristics - Woody, aromatic, stamens in 4 whorls
of 3.