Laurus novocanariensis

Evergreen tree, 15-25 m tall with a dense, globose crown. It has a straight trunk, often surrounded by numerous suckers or shoots, and a greyish bark that is more or less smooth and spotted with small, whitish protuberances (lenticels) that become more marked as the tree ages. The leaves are simple, alternate, leathery, generally lanceolate, up to 15 cm long and 4-5 cm wide, dark green on both sides, and with an entire, sometimes wavy margin. They are easily recognised by the small glands situated along the central vein. When they are crushed or squeezed they give off a pleasant aroma. The new buds are somewhat tomentose and a paler green. This laurel blooms abundantly in spring. This dioecious species has both male and female plants. The flowers are small, fragrant, yellowish cream in colour and usually crowded together in very short clusters. The fruit is fleshy (drupe), in the form of an olive, up to 2 cm long, and contains a single seed. It has a shiny cover that is speckled and blackish, sometimes with purple hues when ripe.