Mexican Bay Leaf (Litsea glaucescens), or Mexican Bay Laurel is the bay leaf grown in Mexico and preferred for Mexican cooking. It is not the same plant typically found in the U.S. (Laurus nobilis) which is a stronger, more harsh tasting bay than the mellow Mexican version. The leaves are long and tapering with slightly fluted edges. While it is found fresh in Mexico if it found at all in the U.S. it is most likely the whole dried form.
The dried leaves are readily found in little packets in the herb section of most Mexican grocers. However; sometimes the stores package U.S. laurus nobilis and sell it as Mexican bay.