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Genus SASSAFRAS, Nees. — Part 1

(S. Sassafras) SASSAFRAS

The laurel family has forty genera, most of them tropical. Of the six North American genera, four are arbourescent. Three of these have broad evergreen leaves; the fourth is deciduous. All have 1-seeded berries, following inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers. Three of these genera are monotypic; one has two species. All but the sassafras produce handsome, ornamental wood, used in inlay work and for interior finish of houses.