How to Identify Lauraceae

Lauraceae is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Laurales, class Magnoliopsida. The family contains 108 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.

Key Identification Features

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Representative Lauraceae Species

How to identify Apollonias barbujana subsp. barbujana

Apollonias barbujana subsp. barbujana

Apollonias barbujana subsp. barbujana

Persea barbujana is an endemic Macaronesian laurel family tree with debated genu…

How to identify Endiandra globosa Maiden & Betche

Endiandra globosa Maiden & Betche

Endiandra globosa Maiden & Betche

Endiandra globosa Maiden & Betche is a Australian laurel tree that produces larg…

How to identify Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng.

Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng.

Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng.

Persea borbonia is a evergreen woody perennial tree or shrub native to the south…

How to identify Cassytha glabella R.Br.

Cassytha glabella R.Br.

Cassytha glabella R.Br.

Cassytha glabella (slender devil's twine) is a hemiparasitic twining vine from A…

How to identify Persea americana Mill.

Persea americana Mill.

Persea americana Mill.

Persea americana, the avocado, is a tree with documented animal toxicity and a l…

⚠️ Poisonous
How to identify Laurus novocanariensis Rivas Mart., Lousã, Fern.Prieto, E.Días, J.C.Costa & C.Aguiar

Laurus novocanariensis Rivas Mart., Lousã, Fern.Prieto, E.Días, J.C.Costa & C.Aguiar

Laurus novocanariensis Rivas Mart., Lousã, Fern.Prieto, E.Días, J.C.Costa & C.Aguiar

Laurus novocanariensis is a Macaronesian laurisilva tree classified as its own d…

How to identify Machilus thunbergii Siebold & Zucc.

Machilus thunbergii Siebold & Zucc.

Machilus thunbergii Siebold & Zucc.

Machilus thunbergii is a widespread evergreen flowering tree in Lauraceae, nativ…

How to identify Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl

Cinnamomum camphora, or camphor tree, is known for its height, scent, and medici…

How to identify Laurus nobilis L.

Laurus nobilis L.

Laurus nobilis L.

Laurus nobilis L., or bay laurel, is an evergreen tree that provides culinary ba…

How to identify Endiandra hayesii Kosterm.

Endiandra hayesii Kosterm.

Endiandra hayesii Kosterm.

Endiandra hayesii is a tree species that is typically small but can grow to 35 m…

How to identify Cryptocarya triplinervis R.Br.

Cryptocarya triplinervis R.Br.

Cryptocarya triplinervis R.Br.

Cryptocarya triplinervis is an Australian laurel tree with three described varie…

How to identify Cinnamomum oliveri F.M.Bailey

Cinnamomum oliveri F.M.Bailey

Cinnamomum oliveri F.M.Bailey

Cinnamomum oliveri is an Australian rainforest tree with aromatic fruit, bark an…

Browse all 108 Lauraceae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Lauraceae?

Lauraceae plants belong to the Laurales order in the Plantae kingdom. The La Gomera subspecies of this plant is distinct and classified as endangered. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Lauraceae?

Lauraceae is classified in the order Laurales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. It was traditionally believed that domestication of the avocado, which produced genetically distinct cultivars, originated in the Tehuacan Valley in Puebla, Mexico.

⚠️ Are any Lauraceae species poisonous?

Yes, some Lauraceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Lauraceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

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