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Laurus Nobilis Tree

Bay tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 2 - 15 metres tall. The bay tree is a very ornamental plant[1 ] that is often cultivated for its use as a food flavouring and medicine. The plant has been held in high esteem since ancient times[244 ]. It was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light and was also a symbol of peace and victory[244Herbs Publication AuthorPhillips. R. & Foy. N. PublisherPan Books Ltd. London. Year1990 ISBN0-330-30725-8 DescriptionDeals with all types of herbs including medicinal, culinary, scented and dye plants. Excellent photographs with quite good information on each plant. ]. It was used to make wreaths for emperors, generals and poets[11 , 89 , 244 ].

Often used as focal tree in garden, this tree can be grown as a standard or as a multi-stemmed specimen. Leaves can be used for seasoning. The thick, waxy leaves are resistant to fire. Dried leaves can be used in closets to deter moths.

Bay tree is a plant of Mediterranean climates, though is quite adaptable and has been cultivated successfully from warmer areas in the temperate zone to tropical regions. In the tropics it is generally most successful in drier regions and at moderate to higher elevations. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 17 - 25°c, but can tolerate 8 - 30°c[418 ]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -5°c with occasional short-lived lows to -15°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at -1°c[418 ]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 600 - 1,000mm, but tolerates 300 - 2,200mm[418 ]. Prefers a position in full sun but succeeds in light shade and even in fairly dense shade[200 , K ]. Succeeds in any soil of moderate fertility[1 ], preferring a moisture retentive well-drained fertile soil[200 ]. Succeeds in dry soils. Plants are fairly wind hardy, but they do not like extreme maritime exposure[166 ] or cold dry winds[202 ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 8.2[418 ]. Some named forms exist[202 ].