Lancewood

Title

Lancewood

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Nectandra coriacea (Sw.) Griseb.

Description

Common Names

Lancewood, Bastard Torch, Black Torch, Sweet Torchwood

Lauraceae

Ocotea coriacea grows as a tree up to 12 m in height with a trunk to 50 cm in diameter. The leaves are arranged alternately with petioles and midribs that are yellowish and the petioles with a distinct hook shape. The leaves are lanceolate, to 15 cm in length with an entire margin and an acute leaf apex.

The actinomorphic flowers are arranged in panicles. The calyx has 3 white, pubescent, unfused sepals. The corolla has 3 white, pubescent, unfused petals. There are 9 stamens, the 3 center ones have glands below the anthers. Interspersed among the stamens are 3 additional glands. The superior ovary has a single locule and 1 seed. The fruit is a drupe that turns black at maturity.

Ocotea coriacea grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations- Forest/Shrubland (coppice) on limestone substrates.

Ocotea coriacea occurs on all island groups within the Bahamian Archipelago as well as south Florida, the entire Caribbean region and Central America

Ocotea coriacea is not used medicinally in the Bahamas.

Ocotea coriacea has a large volume of oil in the wood and branches have been used as a light source thus the common name Torchwood.