| West Indian Bay Tree | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Pimenta |
| Species: | P. racemosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Pimenta racemosa (P. Mill.) J.W. Moore |
|
The West Indian bay tree (Pimenta racemosa, called Pimenta acris or Caryophyllus racemosus in old references), also known as the bay rum tree, is a plant in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) native to the Caribbean region. It is used to produce a fragrant cologne called bay rum; although bay rum is essentially rum, the plant itself is toxic and renders the product undrinkable.[1] The tree is 4-12 m tall and the white flowers, about 10mm wide, become black, oval fruits measuring 7-12 mm.[2] The plants are now grown widely in other tropical areas, including Oceania. The ideal conditions for P. racemosa are regular irrigation and bright sunshine.