This species has long been known as Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng. However, recent research into the Lauraceae has shown that the current circumscription of Persea is untenable and that the three N. American species formerly included in Persea (Persea borbonia, Persea humilis and Persea palustris) should be placed in the genus Tamala. (See Weakley, A.S. (2023). Flora of the Southeastern United States, 2023 edition Page 182, https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/img/flora/FSUS_2023.pdf.)

Common Name: Red Bay

General Information

Tamala borbonia is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing up to 15 metres tall with a round, spreading crown that casts a dense shade[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for a number of local uses. Its leaves are used as a condiment, whilst the plant also has a number of medicinal applications. The wood is of excellent quality, but seldom available in sufficient quantity. The tree is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental.
Tamala borbonia was historically abundant within its range but has recently been affected by the invasive Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and disease, laurel wilt, caused by a pathogenic fungal symbiont that is carried by the beetle. The disease has caused at least 30% population decline for the species within the past generation with more than a 90% mortality rate in some stands. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2021)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-eastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas

Habitat

Sandy to rich moist soils of low woodlands, coastal forests, along the sides of bogs, streams and swamps[]. Sometimes found in dry sandy areas in Florida[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tamala borbonia is native to the warm-temperate to subtropical regions of southeastern USA. It grows in areas where the frost-free period is usually greater than 250 days per year and temperatures can range from highs of 38°c in the summer to occasional falls as low as -12°c in winter. The mean annual rainfall is between 1,020 - 1,630mm, and is well distributed seasonally[].
Succeeds in most well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[]. Tolerant of salt-laden winds[].
The branches are brittle and subject to wind damage[].

Edible Uses

The fresh or dried leaves can be used as a flavouring in sauces, soups, stews etc[, ]. The flavour and quality are comparable to the true bay (Laurus nobilis)[].

A tea is made from the leaves[].

Medicinal

Red bay was widely employed medicinally by the Seminole Indians who used it to treat a variety of complaints, but especially as an emetic and body cleanser[]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism.

The leaves are abortifacient, analgesic, antirheumatic, appetizer, emetic and febrifuge[]. An infusion can be used to abort a foetus up to the age of four months[]. An infusion is also used in treating fevers, headaches, diarrhoea, thirst, constipation, appetite loss and blocked urination[]. A strong decoction is emetic and was used as a body purification when treating a wide range of complaints[]. A decoction of the leaves is used externally as a wash on rheumatic joints and painful limbs[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Seedlings can be used in wetlands and in phosphate mine reclamation projects[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is bright red, the thin layer of sapwood is light-coloured. The wood is hard, heavy, close-grained, very strong, rather brittle[, , , ]. It weighs 40lb per cubic foot[]. The wood works well and is suitable for interior finishing, cabinet making etc, but trees with large straight trunks are not sufficiently common to make the tree of commercial interest[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first 2 winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and give some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors.