Prunus lusitanica
Portugal Laurel
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Prunus genus in the family Rosaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The fruit is probably edible when fully ripe but should not be eaten if it is bitter because this bitterness is caused by the presence of toxic compounds, see the notes above on toxicity[K]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and contains one large seed[8]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
- Plant part
- Fruit
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[9].
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A very good plant for a low windbreak[7]. It is also used as a medium to tall hedge and for topiary[11][6][8]. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[4]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[4].
- Product or use
- Dye
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- W. Europe - S.W. France, Spain and Portugal. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[5].
- Habitat
- Forests in the mountains of the Iberian peninsula.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[8]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[8]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[3]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[2][8]. Cuttings of mature wood, October in a sheltered north facing border outdoors[3]. Layering in spring.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds on all soil types[10], though it prefers a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[2][8]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Thrives on chalk according to other reports[12][6][8]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[2][8]. Hardy to about -20°c[7]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[6]. Grows well in a woodland[10]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[9]. Plants are susceptible to silver leaf disease[2]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[8]. The flowers are pleasantly scented[6]. Any trimming is best done with secateurs in August[6]. Plants are very tolerant of pruning.
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Knight. F. P. Plants for Shade. Royal Horticultural Society. 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-900629-78-9
Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649
Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.