Laurales

Description

Laurales is an order of flowering plants that includes around 7,500 species, mostly trees and shrubs. This order is well-known for its aromatic and flavorful plants, such as bay leaves, cinnamon, and avocado. Laurales are distributed around the world, but mostly in the tropics and subtropics. They are economically important for their timber, fruits, oils, and medicinal properties. Some of the most popular genera in the Laurales order are Laurus, Persea, Cinnamomum, and Sassafras.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Laurales plants vary in size, shape, and color. Most of them have evergreen leaves that are glossy, leathery, and fragrant. The flowers are usually small, inconspicuous, and arranged in clusters. The fruit is a drupe or a berry, which is often edible or used for its oil. The bark is smooth or rough, and can be used for its medicinal or aromatic properties. Some of the most notable Laurales plants are:

• Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis): evergreen tree or shrub with aromatic leaves used for cooking.
• Avocado (Persea americana): evergreen tree with edible fruit rich in healthy fats.
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): evergreen tree with fragrant bark used for spice and medicine.
• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum): deciduous tree with spicy roots and leaves used for tea and medicine.

Care Guide

Laurales plants are generally easy to care for, but their specific needs may vary depending on the species and location. Here are some general guidelines for growing Laurales:

• Water: Laurales plants prefer well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering or leaving them in standing water.
• Fertilization: Laurales plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid using too much nitrogen, which can promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit or flower production.
• Soil: Laurales plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy to clayey, as long as they are well-draining.
• Sunlight: Laurales plants prefer partial shade to full sun, depending on the species and climate. They can tolerate some drought and heat, but may suffer from sunburn or frost damage if exposed to extreme conditions.
• Hardiness Zones: Laurales plants have different hardiness zones depending on the species, but most of them can tolerate a range of temperatures from 20°F to 100°F. Check the specific hardiness zone of your Laurales plant before planting it.

Common Pests & Diseases

Laurales plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they may still suffer from some common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that affect Laurales:

• Scales: small, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing, wilting, and death of leaves and branches. Treat scales with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
• Anthracnose: fungal disease that can cause brown spots, leaf drop, and twig dieback. Treat anthracnose with fungicides and by pruning infected branches.
• Root rot: fungal disease that can cause wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves and branches. Treat root rot by improving drainage and avoiding overwatering.
• Leaf spot: fungal disease that can cause brown spots, yellowing, and defoliation. Treat leaf spot with fungicides and by removing infected leaves.

Habitat

Laurales plants grow in a wide range of habitats, from rainforests to deserts to temperate forests. They are mostly found in the tropics and subtropics, but some species can also tolerate colder climates. Some Laurales plants are adapted to specific habitats, such as:

• Avocado (Persea americana): native to the rainforests of Mexico and Central America, but now grown in many parts of the world for its fruit.
• Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora): native to China and Japan, but now grown in many parts of the world for its fragrant wood and oil.
• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum): native to eastern North America, but now grown in many parts of the world for its aromatic roots and leaves.
• Laurel tree (Laurus nobilis): native to the Mediterranean region, but now grown in many parts of the world for its aromatic leaves used for cooking.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the most popular Laurales plant?
A: The most popular Laurales plant is probably the avocado, which is widely consumed for its healthy fats and versatile culinary uses.

Q: Can Laurales plants be grown indoors?
A: Some Laurales plants, such as bay laurel and avocado, can be grown indoors in containers if provided with enough light, humidity, and space.

Q: Are Laurales plants toxic to pets?
A: Some Laurales plants, such as avocado and camphor, can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. Always check the toxicity of your Laurales plant before exposing it to your pets.

Q: Can Laurales plants be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, many Laurales plants have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. However, always consult a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.

Related Plants

• Canellales
• Laurales
• Magnoliales
• Piperales

References

• Encyclopedia Britannica. (2021). Laurales plant order. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/Laurales-plant-order
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Lauraceae. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderListResults.aspx?italname=Lauraceae
• USDA. (2021). Plants Database. USDA. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LAURA2