Laurus novocanariensis
Canary Island Laurel
Scientific name: Laurus novocanariensis Rivas Mart., Lousã, Fern. Prieto, E. Días, J. C. Costa & C. Aguiar
Family: Lauraceae
Origin: Canary Islands
Year planted: 1934
Flowering: November – April
Laurus novocanariensis
Description
This tree may look like a laurel. It is tall, up to 20 meters high. It is a dioecious species: there are male and female specimens.
It has branches from the base, that’s why it looks like a bush. The leaves are hard, shiny and smell. The flowers are small and creamy white, and are very fragrant.
Its fruit is a berry. When it matures, it turns black.
Marimurtra’s specimen
It has many branches at the base, and is 13 meters tall and 8 meters wide. It is located in the palm grove area, before the bamboo.
It was planted in 1934 from seeds from the garden of La Orotava, Tenerife, by Dr. Oscar Burchard, a German botanist established in the Canary Islands.
Did you know…?
It was recognized as a species in 2002. Previously, it was considered the same species as the Azorean laurel ( Laurus azorica ). It also grows wild on the coasts of Morocco and Madeira.
Threat level (UICN)
Main uses
Raunkiaer Life Forms
