Family: Monimiaceae
Common Name: Sassafras

The two species of this genus are native to Australia-tall, handsome trees which do well in warm temperate areas. They have shiny, dark green, aromatic foliage and fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers. They are unlikely to be available outside their native Australia.

Species

D. aromatica, gray sassafras, from northern Queensland, reaches 35 m (115 ft) in its habitat, but is smaller in cultivation. This species forms a canopy of shiny, opposite leaves, with serrated margins. The trunk is gray, the white flowers are borne in clusters, and the fruit is club-shaped. The entire tree is strongly aromatic.

D. sassafras, yellow sassafras, is a medium-sized to tall tree, to 30 m (100 ft), quite common along the eastern coast of Australia. The bark is gray, the foliage is bright, the tlow­ers grow to 2 cm (1 in) in diameter and the fruit is oval in shape. This fine specimen tree is delightfully fragrant. The timber is also fragrant and because of its properties is a popular choice for furniture and insect-proof storage boxes.

Cultivation

In frost-prone areas, they would have to be grown in an intermediate to warm greenhouse or conservatory as young foliage plants. Grow them in pots or tubs of soil-based potting compost. They are slow growing. Propagate from the hairy, brown seeds. Sow them in a sandy seed compost and provide bottom heat.

Climate

Zone 10.