These photos were taken today in zone 8/9 north central Florida. I have no clue. This is growing under some trees.

It looks like a Camphor tree.

That could be it and can easily be confirmed by crushing the leaves and smelling them. This is a Category I invasive plant in Florida and you would be wise to remove it.
A quote: 'Category I plants are invasive exotic species that displace or disrupt native plant communities, alter the ecology of the environment, or hybridize with native species.'

Cinnamomum camphora looks good to me .. have you seen the berries?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...

A good description on floridata..

http://www.floridata.com/ref/c...

Thanks all. I will have to crush the leaves & take some sniffs when next we are out there. I sure hope it isn't camphor because they are both so pretty. No idea of flowers or berries. Too late for flowers & berries also.

It does indeed look like a juvenile form of Cinnamomum camphora: Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)

Confirmed today. One sniff is all it took. Just got home. it's camphor! This & the other one too. They'll go on the "have to go" list. The only 2 items on it.

I'll put them in the database later this evening if I get time. It's birthday day here so I may be busy till tomorrow.