Umbellularia califomica

The biosynthetic capacity of seeds of the Californian plant Umbellularia califomica for capric acid (10 0) and lauric acid (12 0) has been transferred to another ai osperm, Arabidopsis thaliana, where... 

The leaves of the California bay laurel Umbellularia califomica, Lauraceae), sometimes used as a spice, contain 0.5-4% of an irritating oil of which 40-60% is umbellulone (53). The vapors of this compound produce severe headache, skin irritation, and, in some cases, unconsciousness. This plant is one of several avoided by deer. Essential oils inhibit microbial activity in mminants and dismpt digestive processes (MacGregor et al., 1974 Buttery et al., 1974). 

Kasapllgil, B. (1951). Morphological and ontogenetic studies of Umbellularia califomica Nutt, and Laurus nobilis L. University of California, Publications in Botany, 25,115-239. 

Pollard, M.R., Anderson, L., Fan, C., Hawkins, D.J. and Davies, H.M. (1991) A specific acyl-ACP thioesterase implicated in medium-chain fatty acid production in immature cotyledons of Umbellularia califomica. Arch, Biochem. Biophys. 284, 306-312. 

Reynolds, T., Dring, J.V. and Hughes, C. (1991) Laurie add-containing triglycerides in seeds of Umbellularia califomica Nutt. (Lauraceae). J, Am, Oil Chem, Soc, 68, 976-977. 

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