Umbellularia · Kew POWO · Kew Plants of the World Online
Umbellularia
Sign in to saveUmbellularia californica is a large hardwood tree native to coastal forests and the Sierra foothills of California, and to coastal forests extending into Oregon. It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia, in the laurel family Lauraceae. The tree's pungent leaves have a similar flavor to bay leaves, though stronger, and it may be mistaken for bay laurel.
Species
Genus
- PhylumCnidaria
- ClassOctocorallia
- OrderScleralcyonacea
- FamilyUmbellulidae
via · Kew POWO
Museum specimens
- Specimen records
- 109
- With media
- 65
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Collections
- UCMP, US, SBBG
- Recorded in
- United States
Research
96 papers- Species-specific responses drive browsing impacts on physiological and functional traits in Quercus agrifolia and Umbellularia californica.PloS one · 2024
- Antibacterial activity of native California medicinal plant extracts isolated from Rhamnus californica and Umbellularia californica.Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials · 2015
- Comparative investigation of Umbellularia californica and Laurus nobilis leaf essential oils and identification of constituents active against Aedes aegypti.Journal of agricultural and food chemistry · 2013
- Pleasant natural scent with unpleasant effects: cluster headache-like attacks triggered by Umbellularia californica.Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache · 2010
- Distinct Trophic Specializations Affect How Phytophthora ramorum and Clade 6 Phytophthora spp. Colonize and Persist on Umbellularia californica Leaves in Streams.Phytopathology · 2018
via PubMed
~10 min read
Encyclopedic overview
10 sectionsContents
- Description
- Taxonomy
- Distribution and habitat
- Ecology
- Uses
- Historical usage
- Modern usage
- "Myrtlewood" money
- References
- External links
Umbellularia californica is a large hardwood tree native to coastal forests and the Sierra foothills of California, and to coastal forests extending into Oregon. It is the sole species in the genus Umbellularia, in the laurel family Lauraceae. The tree's pungent leaves have a similar flavor to bay leaves, though stronger, and it may be mistaken for bay laurel.
The tree is endemic to the California Floristic Province. It is a host of the pathogen that causes sudden oak death. The dry wood has a color range from blonde (like maple) to brown (like walnut). It is considered an excellent tonewood and is sought after by luthiers and woodworkers.
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Umbellularia” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.