Laurus azorica

Laurus azorica (also called Azores laurel or Macaronesian laurel) is a species of plant in the family Lauraceae, related to Laurus nobilis. It is a small aromatic tree. A study in the early 2000s found considerable genetic diversity within L. nobilis, and that L. azorica is not genetically or morphologically distinct.[3]

Laurus azorica
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Magnoliids
Order:	Laurales
Family:	Lauraceae
Genus:	Laurus
Species:	L. azorica
Binomial name
Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco
Synonyms[2]
Persea azorica Seub.

The Azores laurel is a vigorous, conical tree that can vary greatly in size and height, sometimes reaching 10–18 metres (33–59 ft) tall. This species is very similar to Laurus novocanariensis. As the result of a recent taxonomic change, Laurus azorica is now restricted to the archipelago of the Azores, whereas former populations of this species from the western Canary islands including Gran Canaria and from the Madeira archipelago have been described as a new species, namely Laurus novocanariensis.

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

The leaves are large, shiny dark green, broadly ovoid, 7–14 cm long and 4–8 cm broad, with an entire margin. The fruit is a black drupe about 1–2  cm long.

References

1. Silva, L.; Beech, E. (2017). "Laurus azorica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
2. "The Plant List: A Working List of all Plant Species".
3. Arroyo–García, R.; Martínez–Zapater, J. M..; Fernández Prieto, J. A. & Álvarez–Arbesú, R. (2001). "AFLP evaluation of genetic similarity among laurel populations (Laurus L.)". Euphytica. 122: 155–164. doi:10.1023/A:1012654514381.