Laurus noblis
Aromatic
trees and shrubs, usually evergreen. The
leaves are alternate, rarely opposite, simple, exstipulate, and mostly leathery,
punctate. The flowers are perfect
or imperfect, yellow or greenish and regular.
The calyx is usually 6-parted, the segms. in 2 series.
There are no petals. The stamens are in 3-4 whorls of 3 each, some
frequently reduced to staminodia; anthers 2-4 celled, opening by uplifting
valves. The ovary is usually
superior and free, 1-celled, 1-ovuled, with a single style. The fruit is a berry or drupe, indehiscent.
(Munz, Flora So. Calif. 544).
About
40 genera and 1000 spp., widely distributed in trop., less so in temp. regions.
Some grown for ornament, some (avocado, cinnamon and camphor) of economic
importance. (Munz, Flora
So. Calif. 544). Also bay-leaf
and some fine cabinet woods are in this genus.
(John Johnson).
Upper Newport Bay species within the family: