Ocotea
Quick Summary
The term "Ocotea" refers to a genus of tropical trees and shrubs belonging to the family Lauraceae. These plants are characterized by alternate, leathery leaves and small flowers arranged in panicles.1
It is important to distinguish this from "ocotillo," which is a flowering, spiny shrub (Fouquieria splendens) native to the deserts of western North America. Ocotillo has slender, spiny branches and small, drought-deciduous leaves that fall during dry seasons, leaving behind hardened petioles that act as spines. Its bright scarlet flowers appear in showy clusters. Ocotillo belongs to the Fouquieriaceae family, not Lauraceae.23
Additionally, "ocote" or "ocote pine" refers to a resinous Mexican pine (Pinus montezumae). "Ocotea cymbarum oil" is an essential oil derived from Brazilian trees of the Ocotea cymbarum species, used as a source of safrole.45
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LauralesDistribution and abundance…occur in only 7 genera: Ocotea has about 400 species in tropical America, South Africa, and the Mascarene Islands; Litsea has more than 200 species in Asia, Australasia, and America; Cryptocarya and Cinnamomum (the source of camphor and the spice cinnamon) contain about 350 species and 250 species, respectively; Persea…
Read More…occur in only 7 genera: Ocotea has about 400 species in tropical America, South Africa, and the Mascarene Islands; Litsea has more than 200 species in Asia, Australasia, and America; Cryptocarya and Cinnamomum (the source of camphor and the spice cinnamon) contain about 350 species and 250 species, respectively; Persea…
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…species of the widespread genus Ocotea have been utilized for timber. Chlorocardium rodiei (formerly Ocotea rodiei), commonly known as greenheart, an olive-green to black wood from northern South America, is a very durable, strong, dense wood ideally suited to underwater applications, such as boats and wharf pilings. Bebeerine, a highly…
Read More…species of the widespread genus Ocotea have been utilized for timber. Chlorocardium rodiei (formerly Ocotea rodiei), commonly known as greenheart, an olive-green to black wood from northern South America, is a very durable, strong, dense wood ideally suited to underwater applications, such as boats and wharf pilings. Bebeerine, a highly…
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