noun
Machilus thunbergii; Japanese bay tree
A species of laurel tree native to East Asia. The name literally means 'dog camphor', distinguishing it from the true camphor tree (クスノキ).
See also: 椨
犬樟は海岸近くの林でよく見られる。
The Japanese bay tree is often seen in forests near the coast.
Another name for the same tree, Machilus thunbergii. 犬樟 is the more descriptive kanji name, while 椨 is a single character used specifically for this tree.
The camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora). 犬樟 is a different species, though both are in the laurel family.
The name 犬樟 (いぬぐす) combines 犬 (dog) and 樟 (camphor tree), likely meaning 'false camphor' or 'inferior camphor', as イヌ is sometimes used as a prefix for something similar but lesser. The exact origin is uncertain.