[2] The generic name is derived from the Greek word αμυρων (amyron), which means "intensely scented" and refers to the strong odor of the resin.

[3] Members of the genus are commonly known as torchwoods[4] because of their highly flammable wood.

[5] As of September 2021[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:[6] The trunks of Amyris species exude elemi, a type of balsam (oleoresin) that contains elemic acids, liquid sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes such as α- and β-amyrin among other components.

Essential oils containing caryophyllene, cadinene, and cadinol are extracted from A. balsamifera and A. elemifera.

[5] Chemical compounds known as chromenylated amides isolated from Amyris plumieri have shown some inhibition of the cytochrome P450 enzymes.