The latter is restricted to a single genus, Cassytha . The tribal classification is much more complex and decidedly uncertain. Few families rival Lauraceae for taxonomic difficulties. The actual number of genera appears to be closer to 52, but the number of species is still unknown. The majority of these, and for that matter, the majority of all genera occur either in southeast Asia or in Brasil.
Numerous spices come from members of Lauraceae.
Probably the best known in North America is cinnamon. The same plant is also considered a medicinal by some. California bay laurel may be substituted for bay leaf in cooking. Several genera of Lauraceae can cause skin irritation. Camphor from Cinnamomum camphora is used in aroma therapy but care should be taken.