Lindera

Lindera is a genus in the laurel family, Lauraceae. It is named after the Swedish botanist, Johan Linder. The genus includes about 80-100 species of evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs, which are native to eastern Asia, eastern North America, and South America.

Description

Lindera species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species. The leaves are alternate, entire or three-lobed, and have a spicy smell when crushed. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in umbels. The fruit is a small, one-seeded drupe.

Species

There are about 80-100 species in the genus Lindera, including:

• Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)
• Lindera erythrocarpa (Japanese evergreen spicebush)
• Lindera glauca (Blue spicebush)
• Lindera megaphylla (Large-leaved spicebush)
• Lindera obtusiloba (Blunt-lobed spicebush)
• Lindera praecox (Early-blooming spicebush)
• Lindera triloba (Three-lobed spicebush)

Uses

Some species of Lindera are cultivated as ornamental plants, and others are used in traditional medicine. The wood of some species is used for making furniture and other items.

External links

• The Plant List: Lindera
• Flora of China: Lindera

Lindera Resources
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