The Collaborative International Dictionary
Spicewood \Spice"wood`\, n. (Bot.) An American shrub ( Lindera Benzoin), the bark of which has a spicy taste and odor; -- called also Benjamin, wild allspice, and fever bush.
Benzoin \Ben*zoin"\ (b[e^]n*zoin"), n. [Cf. F. benjoin, Sp. benjui, Pg. beijoin; all fr. Ar. lub[=a]n-j[=a]w[=i] incense form Sumatra (named Java in Arabic), the first syllable being lost. Cf. Benjamin.] Note: [Called also benjamin.]
A resinous substance, dry and brittle, obtained from the Styrax benzoin, a tree of Sumatra, Java, etc., having a fragrant odor, and slightly aromatic taste. It is used in the preparation of benzoic acid, in medicine, and as a perfume.
A white crystalline substance, C14H12O2, obtained from benzoic aldehyde and some other sources.
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(Bot.) The spicebush ( Lindera benzoin).
Flowers of benzoin, benzoic acid. See under Benzoic.
Allspice \All"spice`\, n. The berry of the pimento ( Eugenia pimenta), a tree of the West Indies; a spice of a mildly pungent taste, and agreeably aromatic; Jamaica pepper; pimento. It has been supposed to combine the flavor of cinnamon, nutmegs, and cloves; and hence the name. The name is also given to other aromatic shrubs; as, the Carolina allspice ( Calycanthus floridus); wild allspice ( Lindera benzoin), called also spicebush, spicewood, and feverbush.
Wikipedia
Lindera benzoin, commonly called spicebush, common spicebush, northern spicebush wild allspice, or Benjamin bush) is a shrub in the family laurel family, native to eastern North America, ranging from New York to Ontario in the north, and to Kansas, Texas, and northern Florida in the center and south. Within its native range it is a relatively common plant where it grows in the understory in moist, rich woods, especially those with exposed limestone.
Usage examples of "lindera benzoin".
The powdered berries of this American plant, a member of the natural order Lauracece, Lindera Benzoin, occurring in damp woods throughout the Eastern and Central States, were used during the War of Independence by the Americans as a substitute for Allspice and its leaves as a substitute for tea, hence the plant was often called 'Wild Allspice.