The laurel is related to the Lauraceae (as Lindera, Sassafras, Cinnamonium, etc.). The Lauraceae are mainly tropical plants. Laurus nobilis is particulary found in the Mediterranean. In Belgium it is an orangery plant. The plant can easily live one hundred years.

Laurels are bushes or trees, wich can grow to a height of 7 to 9 metres. The plant can endure a temperature up to -5°C.

The leaves are sinuate with a short leaf stalk, and they are dark green, leathery and shiny.

female flower		male flower
Click on the picture to enlarge..

It is a dieceous plant (mainly male plants are used for cultivation). The flowers are yellowish green in colour. The fruits are berries, purplish black when ripe, odoriferous and bitter.

Cultivars are a.o. : 'Salicifolia' ('Angustifolia'), 'Aurea', 'Crispa', 'Variegata', …

Besides Laurus nobilis there is also Laurus azorica (canariënsis).