Prunus lusitanica

Prunus lusitanica

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as the Portugal laurel, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 1–5 m tall, rarely up to 12 m tall.

Description

Prunus lusitanica is a large evergreen shrub or small tree, with dark glossy green leaves. The leaves are alternate, 7–12 cm long and 3–5 cm broad, with an entire or finely serrated margin. The flowers are small, white, produced on erect racemes 15–25 cm long in late spring (May to June in its native area). The fruit is a small cherry 10–15 mm diameter, ripening black.

Distribution and habitat

Prunus lusitanica is native to the Iberian Peninsula, and in Morocco and the Azores. It is found in Atlantic coastal habitats and in mountainous areas, growing at altitudes up to 1,400 meters.

Cultivation

Prunus lusitanica is widely grown as an ornamental plant in temperate regions worldwide. It is often used for hedging, and for its dense, evergreen foliage. The plant is hardy to USDA Zone 7.

Uses

The wood of Prunus lusitanica is hard and compact, suitable for turning and for making small items of furniture. The leaves and seeds are poisonous if ingested.

Conservation status

Prunus lusitanica is not currently considered to be at risk in the wild.

See also

• Prunus
• Rosaceae
• Flora of the Iberian Peninsula
• Flora of Morocco
• Flora of the Azores

References

• Flora Europaea
• Flora of North America
• The Plant List
• IUCN Red List

External links

• Royal Horticultural Society
• Missouri Botanical Garden
• Kew Gardens