Sassafras
Sassafras
Sassafras (/ˈsæsəfræs/; from the Spanish sasafrás, and ultimately from the Taino word sasafraz) is a genus of three extant and one extinct species of deciduous trees in the family Lauraceae, native to eastern North America and eastern Asia.
Etymology
The term "sassafras" is believed to be derived from the Spanish sasafrás, which in turn was borrowed from the Taino word sasafraz. The Taino were the indigenous people of the Caribbean and Florida.
Description
Sassafras trees grow from 9.1–18 m (30–59 ft) tall with many slender branches, and smooth, orange-brown bark. The branching is sympodial. The bark of the mature trunk is thick, red-brown, and deeply furrowed. The wood is light, hard, and sometimes brittle.
Uses
Sassafras has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures for various purposes, including culinary, medicinal, and aromatic applications. It is also used in some perfumes and soaps for its unique scent.
Medicinal Uses
Traditionally, sassafras has been used in the treatment of various ailments such as skin disorders, rheumatism, and syphilis. However, the safrole found in sassafras root bark is considered carcinogenic in humans and its use is therefore regulated in many countries.
Related Terms
- Safrole: An organic compound primarily responsible for the aroma of sassafras.
- Lauraceae: The botanical family to which sassafras belongs.
- Deciduous: A term referring to trees or shrubs that shed their leaves annually.
- Sympodial: A type of branching in which the main stem grows for a while, stops, and then an axillary bud continues growth.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sassafras
- Wikipedia's article - Sassafras
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