Canary Island bay tree
Laurus azorica
Family: Lauraceae
What it is like
A tree. It can grow 10-15 m tall. The leaves are larger than common bay leaves. The shoots are hairy. The leaves are alternate and narrowly oval. They are shiny and dark green. The flowers are creamy white and 1 cm across. They are in pairs beside the leaf. The fruit is a black berry 1-2 cm long.
There are 2 Laurus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Canary Island (country/location of origin), Europe, Indonesia, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, Portugal, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Spain, USA, Sweden
How it is used for food
The leaves and fruit are used to flavour a range of dishes.
Edible parts
Leaves - flavouring, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. Trees can be pruned to shape.
Its other names
Local names
Asa sidna, Moussa, Perdu bei