Laurus novocanariensis

Laurus novocanariensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Magnoliids
Order:	Laurales
Family:	Lauraceae
Genus:	Laurus
Species:	L. novocanariensis
Binomial name
Laurus novocanariensis Rivas Mart., Lousâ, Fern.Prieto, E.Díaz, J.C.Costa & C.Aguiar

Laurus novocanariensis is an evergreen large shrub or tree with aromatic, shiny dark-green foliage. belonging to Laurus genus of evergreen trees belonging to the Laurel family, Lauraceae. The genus includes three species, whose diagnostic key characters often overlap. Under favorable conditions it is an impressive tree of 3 to 20 m. tall. It is native of rich soils in the cloud zone of always moist spots in subtropical climate with a high air-humidity, on the Canary and Madeira islands.

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

Laurus novocanariensis is a species characteristic of laurel forest named laurisilva in Canary islands. Until 2004 it was considered the same species that Laurus azorica, which is in danger of extinction. We found many differences in genetic, morphological and physiological between them. This is a species endemic of Madeira and Canary Islands, characteristic of the forest of Laurisilva next to Barbusan tree and the Til. One of the most impressive laurel forest can be found on the Canary islands, where it is conserved in the National Park of Garajonay on the island of La Gomera.

This is a tree up to 20 m in height, which can be distinguished by its lanceolate leaves, which have small glands in the armpits of the spine and the lateral veins. The fruits are ovoid, 1-1.5 cm, and become black when ripe. Evergreen tree that reaches 20 feet tall and highly branched, rather dense canopy, trunk and branches with green to gray, buds are brown.

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Wikipedia