Common name: Bay Tree.

Scientific name: Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco

Family: Lauraceae

Distribution and Habitat: It is a dominating tree of the Laurissilva, with a great versatility of habitats, ocurring from 200 m to above 1200 m. It is very common all over the island and may be seen in Ribeira da Janela, Calheta, and São Vicente.

Description: It may reach a height of 20 m. It has a dense top with dark green shiny leaves appearing in many forms, the fruit is a green berry that becomes blak ripe and its flowers are yellow. Sometimes, in the adult bay trees' trunks, an exclusive fungus develops in a characteristic way, known as "madre-de-louro" (Esxobasidium laurii).

Conservation statute and Threats: Very abundant species, under the statutes ascribed to the Laurissilva forest.

Observations: Its fruit is a feeding source to the endemic Trocaz Pidgeon that inhabits the Laurissilva. The local population of Northern Madeira use it to produce "bay leaf oil" which is said to have pharmaceutical properties. Its season is from February to April.