Madeira Laurel

Laurus novocanariensis is an evergreen large shrub or tree with aromatic, shiny dark-green foliage belonging to Laurus genus of evergreen trees, of the Laurel family Lauraceae. The genus includes three species, whose diagnostic key characters often overlap. Under favorable conditions it is an impressive tree that stands between 3 to 20 metres. It grows from rich soils in moist spots in subtropical climate zones with high air-humidity such as the Canary Islands and Madeira.

The laurel is dioecious (unisexual), with male and female flowers on separate plants. Each flower is fragrant creamy white, about 1 cm in diameter, and are born in pairs beside a leaf.

It can be distinguished by its lanceolate leaves. The fruits are 1-1.5 cm, and become black when ripe. It is highly branched, with a rather dense canopy, trunk and green and gray branches, and brown buds.

It has fragrant creamy white flowers. It flowers from November to April. The fruit is a berry olive-like seed.

The fixed oil extracted from the Laurus fruit is used in local traditional medicine for a wide variety of health complaints.