LAUREL
(Laurus nobilis)
Appearance
A bushy tree with dark green leathery leaves highly aromatic
when crushed. Small clusters of yellowish flowers appear among the leaves
from February to April. The bark is grey-black and shiny and the fruit is a
black berry.
Habitat
Laurel is found growing from 100 ft to 4,000 ft in the Troodos
range, the Akamas and the Kyrenia range, on moist rocky ground by streams
and springs. It is also widely cultivated on the Island.
Uses and Properties
The fragrant oil of bay is extracted from the fruits
of laurel and is effective in the treatment of rheumatism. It is also used
in many cosmetic creams and hair lotions. Oil of bay is also used to treat
lice infections and pediculosis. The leaves of the laurel are used to
flavour food. The laurel was considered sacred to the Greek and Roman god
Apollo and garlands of bay leaves were used to decorate victors. In
latter days scholars and poets would wear wreaths of laurel when
receiving honours, the term "baccalaureate" deriving from this practice.
The wood is hard wearing and used for making walking and fire sticks.
