Lauraceae -- the laurel family (30-50/2,490; widespread)
Habit aromatic shrubs & trees with ethereal oils
Leaves alternate (rarely opposite); simple, entire (lobed in Sassafras); estipulate; minutely punctate
Inflorescences basically cymose (determinate) and variable
Special floral characters parts in 3’s, stamens with valvate anther dehiscence and paired basal lateral glands
Perianth tepals (greenish, yellowish, or white) 6 in two whorls of 3, distinct or basally connate
Androecium stamens 9-15, in whorls of 3, some usually staminodal, filaments of inner stamens with paired basal lateral glands (staminodal nectaries); anthers valvate
Gynoecium 1 carpel with 1 apical ovule; superior (rarely inferior)
Fruit= berry or drupe
(Floral formula: T6 A9-15 G1 )