Machilus thunbergii (syn. Persea thunbergii), the Japanese bay tree, red machilus, or tabunoki, is a widespread species of flowering plant in the family Lauraceae. It is native to Vietnam, Taiwan, southeast and north-central China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. A sturdy evergreen tree, usually 10–15 m (30–50 ft) tall, and reaching 20 m (70 ft), it is used for timber, and as a street tree. Its bark is the source of makko, a powder used to make a mosquito‑repelling incense. It prefers coastal areas, and can handle saline soil.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Red Machilus being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Machilus chekiangensis
- Machilus pauhoi
- Litsea coreana
- Lithocarpus edulis
- Daphniphyllum pentandrum
- Machilus zuihoensis
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Laurales
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Genus
- Machilus
- Species
- Machilus thunbergii
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