Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Laurales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Lauraceae Juss.
Genus
Laurus L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Laurus nobilis L., Sp. Pl. 369 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
bay; bay laurel; bay tree; laurel; Sweet bay
 Description

Large shrub or small tree to c. 7 m with many smooth trunks; vegetative parts glabrous or nearly so. Lvs aromatic; petioles 5–13 mm long, often purplish. Lamina 4–13 × 1.5–4.5 cm, narrow-elliptic or elliptic, shining above; base cuneate; apex acute, cuspidate or acuminate. Umbels in upper lf axils; peduncles c. 5 mm long, glabrous or puberulent. Involucral bracts c. 5 mm long, strongly imbricate, glabrous or puberulent. Pedicels ± puberulent. Perianth 3–4 mm long, cream or whitish. ♂ fls with 8–12 stamens. Berry 1.3–1.5 × 0.6–1.3 cm, narrow- to broad-ellipsoid, glossy black.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Sep.–Nov.

 Bibliography
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Wilcox, M.; Bradshaw, C.; Cameron, E. 2004: Woody plants of the Auckland Domain. Auckland Botanical Society Journal 59(1): 44–56.
Weeds Key – interactive key to the weed species of New Zealand