Bay Tree Information

Question

I have a bay tree in my backyard in Boca Raton Florida. I’m very curious to know what type of bay tree it is. i also want to know if the small hanging fruits on the tree are edible or it can be used as a spice. please see the attached photos and let me know if you can help me. Thank you in advance.

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Answer 1

It doesn't look like a bay tree. I believe you have a bishopwood tree, which is not in good favor in Florida. Birds eat the berries, spreading the trees and displacing native fauna. The fruit causes a litter problem, and the aggressive roots can lift sidewalks. The fruits can be used to make wine, but I didn't see any reference to fresh eating in the Florida factsheets below. Here is more about the tree:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST100

https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/bischofia-javanica/