Bay laurel

An evergreen woody plant with a bushy, sometimes tree-like habit, it grows rapidly and is widely used for hedges. The leaves are leathery and aromatic. In winter and early spring, the plant is covered with small, fragrant white flowers grouped in small umbels. The fruits are aromatic ovoid drupes containing a single seed. It is not rare to see new flowers and old drupes side by side on the same plant. The name derives from the Latin “laus” (praise) to emphasize and praise its beneficial properties, known since ancient times. The leaves and fruits are widely used in cooking. In mythology, Daphne rejects Apollo and is turned into a laurel tree; Apollo passionately embraces the branches and says: “If you cannot be my bride, you will at least be my plant, and my hair will be adorned with you forever.” This mythological story gave rise to the custom of crowning emperors and then also victors with laurels. Later, this custom was extended to illustrious poets, winners of competitions, and then to doctors of medicine and other disciplines, who were crowned with branches adorned with laurel berries. Hence the word “laureate” (from Laurus) to honor those who obtain this academic title.