The species of Ocotea (Lauraceae) collected by Ludwig Riedel are commented and contextualized according to the different itineraries he travelled in Brazil, from 1821 to 1836, indicating the localities and dates of collections, whenever possible. To complete this work, two diaries of Riedel have been consulted and the information from them crossed-checked with the annotations found on specimen labels. An annotated list of 44 entries provides information on the status of species names and their types, currently accepted names, and collections found in different herbaria. Lectotypes for 19 names are designated, two new synonyms are proposed, as well as the new combination Ocotea estrellensis (Meisn.) P.L.R. Moraes, based on Oreodaphne estrellensis Meisn.