Laurel : healing, aromatic and spicy plant
Laurel boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times. Laurel wreaths held immense importance in Ancient Rome's competitions. These wreaths served as the ultimate symbol of victory for triumphant individuals.
Bay leaves also have a long culinary tradition. Laurel is a versatile plant. It offers healing properties, appealing aroma, and distinctive spice. Due to these qualities, many people choose to cultivate laurel within their homes.
Laurel is an evergreen perennial. It falls under the genus Laurus and the Lauraceae family. This subtropical plant thrives in the Mediterranean and on various islands. Laurel is often seen near the Black Sea coast. It can grow as either a tree or a bush.
This depends on the particular subspecies. Laurel's growth rate is average. In nature, it typically reaches heights of 6 to 12 meters. When grown indoors, laurel usually stays much smaller.
The trunk features gray or brown bark. Many shoots emerge, branching out to create a dense, pyramidal crown. The leaves are oval-shaped. They have a sharp tip and a leathery texture with a matte surface.
The bay leaf has a dark green color. The underside of the leaf is always lighter in shade. The average leaflet measures about 20 centimeters in length.
Laurel blooms in early spring. Its flowering period spans roughly 50 to 60 days, covering March and April. The plant's flowers grow in umbrella-like clusters. They are located near the tips of the shoots. Flowers can be yellow-green or bluish in color.
Male and female flowers are easy to tell apart. Female flowers form larger clusters, containing at least 10 flowers each. Male flowers have only up to three flowers. The fruits are small and elliptical.
They turn almost black as they ripen. These single-seeded, juicy fruits contain a large stone. They are usually ready around mid-October.
The fruit pulp has many fatty oils.