Family Lauraceae, composed of about 2,500 species of often aromatic and evergreen flowering plants in 50 genera. Included in this family are ornamentals and plants that produce cooking herbs, food fruits, and medicinal extracts. The genus
Laurus includes bay laurel (
L. nobilis), native to the Mediterranean, which provides bay leaves for cooking, essential oils for perfumery, and the wreaths that crowned victorious heroes and athletes in ancient Greece. Another genus,
Cinnamomum, includes the
camphor tree and
cinnamon. Also included in this family are the
avocado,
mountain laurel, and
sassafras.
For more information on laurel family, visit Britannica.com.