Laurus Nobilis L. - National Parks Board

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4. 4369

Laurus nobilis L.

Family Name:	Lauraceae
Common Name:	Sweet Bay, Bay Tree, Bay Laurel, 月桂

Full Sun

Moderate Water

Herb or Spice

Tree

Explore more topics

• Name
• Classifications and Characteristics
• Biogeography
• Description and Ethnobotany
• Landscaping Features
• Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
• Plant Care and Propagation
• Foliar
• Floral (Angiosperm)
• Fruit, Seed and Spore
• Image Repository
• Others

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Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Tree (Small (6m-15m))
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Maximum Height	12 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	Mediterranean
Native Habitat	Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone	Mediterranean

Local Conservation Status

Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only)

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	Shrubby or small tree up to 12 m tall.
Foliage	Smooth, leathery leaves are elliptic with smooth edges or lined with rounded teeth. Crushed leaves are fragrant.
Flowers	Yellowish white to greenish yellow flowers occur in clusters in the leaf axils (the space between the upper surface of a leaf and the stem). Male and female flowers occur on separate individuals.

Fruit	Egg-shaped fruits are dark purple when ripe.
Others - Plant Morphology	The leaves contain 0.3-0.5% essential oil, while the fruits contain 1%.
Cultivation	It is prone to attack by scale insects which can be removed by applying horticultural oil or alcohol on them.
Ethnobotanical Uses	Food (Herb or Spice): In French cuisine, the leaves are tied with other herbs and used to flavor soups and sauces.Medicinal: The leaves have anti-diabetic compounds, according to studies based on experimental animals.Cultural / Religious: In ancient times, the leaves were used to make a crown to acknowledge the accomplishments of various individuals.Others: The seeds can be used to make soap.

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses	General, Small Gardens, Topiary, Container Planting
Thematic Landscaping	Economic Garden

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s)	Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee))

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun
Water Preference	Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Moderate

Rootzone Tolerance	Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method	Seed, Stem Cutting (Semi-Hardwood)
Propagation Method Remarks	Take cuttings from stem that has just become woody. It will take at least 3 months for stem cuttings to root.
Seed / Spore Germination Duration	6 months to 12 months

Foliar

Foliage Retention	Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s)	Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Leathery, Thick

Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem	Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s)	Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Elliptical, Oblong)
Foliar Venation	Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin	Entire, Crenate
Foliar Apex - Tip	Acute
Foliar Base	Acute

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality	Unisexual Flowers , Dioecious
Flower Grouping	Cluster / Inflorescence

Flower Location	Axillary
Inflorescence Type	Umbel
Flowering Period	Free-Flowering
Flowering Habit	Polycarpic
Flower Colour(s) Remarks	Yellowish White, Greenish Yellow

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s)	Purple, Black
Mature Fruit Texture(s)	Smooth, Glossy / Shiny
Plant Sexuality (non-Angiosperm)	Dioecious

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID	30060
Species ID	4369
Flora Disclaimer	The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.

Species record last updated on: 14 October 2021. Share

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