Lauraceae

Laurus is an ancient Greek name for this plant; Bay Laurel of the ancients, sacred to Apollo and his son, favoured as a decoration and associated with fame, honour and victory. Trees or shrubs occasional twiner e.g., Cassytha; cambial layer slimy and outer blaze usually granular. Leaves usually alternate, some opposite or pseudo-whorled, simple, margins entire, fine aromatic oil dots present. Floral parts in whorls of 3, anthers dehisce through pores which are initially covered by flap-like appendages, staminodes usually present; glandular appendages common on filaments. Fruit usually a fleshy berry or drupe.