Cherry laurel

Cherry laurel

Description

A large evergreen shrub, Prunus laurocerasus, native to the Balkans and West Africa. The cyanogenic glycosides in the cut leaves have been used to soften dried fibrous tissues, such as bird skins and pressed plants.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Prunus laurocerasus; cherrylaurel; common laurel

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Dense, wide shrub growing to 8 m
• Bark=reddish to grayish brown.
• Leaves=alternate, simple ovate (5-14 cm long) with shiny, green surface.

Resources and Citations

• Thomas Gutebier - Cons Dist List (5/8/01) referred to German Preparators Association magazine Der Praparator 1:2001, p. 13-31

• Virginia Tech Dendrology website at www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/main.htm (Accessed Dec. 9, 2005)

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_laurel (Accessed Dec. 9, 2005)