Rose family, Rosaceae
Origin: eastern Mediterranean, Asia Minor, Caucasus and central Asia
Habitat in the original area: undergrowth of deciduous forests, on rocky slopes
Habitus: An evergreen shrub or small tree (max. height of 8 metres) is also grown as part of hedges, often in various cultivars.
Leaf: Oblong leaves with rolled edges are noticeably stiff. The upper side is shiny and dark green, the lower side is lighter. Small pink honeysuckle can be seen near the lower veins.
Bloom, fruit: White blossoms are grouped in long straight racemes. They bloom in May and exceptionally again in autumn. The fruit is a black drupe with an ovoid seed.
Interesting fact: The leaves are used to obtain essential oils (so-called aqua laurocerasi) used in the pharmaceutical industry and as an ingredient in perfumes for their bitter almond scent, which is perceivable even when the leaves are just crushed. But be careful, the leaves and seeds are poisonous! The species is sensitive to direct sunlight.
