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Description
Laurus Azorica, commonly known as Azores Laurel, is a flowering plant species in the Lauraceae family. It is native to the Azores archipelago, specifically on the islands of São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, Pico, and Flores. This evergreen tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a dense, pyramidal crown with glossy, dark green leaves. Its small, yellowish-green flowers bloom in clusters, followed by small, blackish berries that ripen in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Laurus |
Appearance
The Azores Laurel has a dense, pyramidal crown with glossy, dark green leaves that are lanceolate, leathery, and up to 9cm long. The undersides of the leaves are paler and slightly hairy. Its small, yellowish-green flowers bloom in clusters between March and May, followed by small, blackish berries that ripen in the fall. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth when young, becoming rough and fissured with age.
Care Guide
The Azores Laurel prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, and benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to -5°C. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Azores Laurel is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil. It may also attract scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
The Azores Laurel is endemic to the Azores archipelago, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including laurel forests, mixed evergreen forests, and shrublands. It is an important component of the native flora and provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Azores Laurel an endangered species?
A: Yes, the Azores Laurel is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List.
Q: Can the Azores Laurel be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Azores Laurel can be grown indoors in a bright, humid location.
Q: Does the Azores Laurel have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the leaves of the Azores Laurel have been traditionally used for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties.
Q: How long does it take for the Azores Laurel to reach maturity?
A: The Azores Laurel can take up to 20 years to reach maturity and produce fruit.
Related Plants
- Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel)
- Persea americana (Avocado)
- Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Tree)
References
- “Laurus Azorica.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Version 2021.1, www.iucnredlist.org/species/63521834/63521836.
- “Laurus Azorica.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:466202-1.
- “Azores Laurel.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, www.kew.org/read-and-watch/plants/azores-laurel.
