Portuguese laurel cherry (Prunus lusitanica, Sp. Pl.: 473 (1753))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 473 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Prunus

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Europe, Morocco

Description

The Portuguese laurel cherry, scientifically known as Prunus lusitanica, is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant, first classified in 1753, is most commonly found in Southwestern Europe and Morocco, where it thrives in temperate climates.

Prunus lusitanica is cherished for its glossy, dark green leaves that provide a lush, dense foliage year-round. The leaves are ovate to oblong and serrated at the edges, creating a beautiful texture that adds visual interest to any landscape. In late spring to early summer, this plant produces delicate, creamy-white flowers arranged in drooping racemes. These fragrant blooms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological health of the area.

Following the flowering period, the Portuguese laurel cherry yields small, red to blackish-purple drupes. While these berries are not typically consumed by humans due to their bitter taste, they serve as a valuable food source for local bird species, thus enhancing the biodiversity of its habitat.

The Portuguese laurel cherry is a versatile plant that can be used in various garden settings. It is commonly employed as a hedge or screen due to its dense growth, which provides excellent privacy and wind protection. It can also be shaped into a small ornamental tree, making it a flexible addition to landscaped areas. Beyond its ornamental value, Prunus lusitanica is relatively low-maintenance and resilient, tolerating a range of soil types and conditions. However, it prefers well-drained soil and a position that receives full sun to partial shade.

In terms of cultivation, the Portuguese laurel cherry requires minimal attention once established. It benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. During prolonged dry periods, occasional watering helps sustain its vitality. Its natural resistance to pests and diseases further enhances its appeal as an easy-to-grow plant for both amateur and seasoned gardeners.

In summary, the Portuguese laurel cherry, or Prunus lusitanica, is a distinguished member of the Rosaceae family, renowned for its evergreen foliage, attractive flowers, and wildlife-friendly berries. With its origins in Southwestern Europe and Morocco, this hardy plant continues to be a favorite in gardens and landscapes for its beauty, versatility, and ease of care.

Common Names

Eng: portugal laurel, portuguese laurel, portuguese laurel cherry, portuguese-laurel
Fra: laurier du portugal, prunier du portugal
Spa: loro
Deu: portugiesische lorbeerkirsche
Swe: portugisisk lagerhägg
Cym: coeden lawrgeirios portiwgal, llawr-sirianen portiwgal
En: Portuguese laurel cherry, Portuguese-laurel, Portugal laurel, Portuguese laurel
Ar: خوخ برتغالي
Eu: Portugalgo erramu
Bg: Португалска лавровишня
Ca: Llorer-cirer de Portugal
Zh: 葡萄牙桂樱
Da: Portugisisk Laurbær-Kirsebær
Nl: Portugese Laurierkers
Fi: Portugalinlaakerikirsikka
Fr: Laurier du Portugal, Prunier du Portugal
Gl: Acereiro
De: Portugiesische Lorbeerkirsche, Portugiesischer Kirschlorbeer
It: Lauro del Portogallo, Lauro portoghese
No: Portugalhegg
Ru: Лавровишня португальская
Es: Loro, Cornicabra, Palo del loro
Sv: Portugisisk lagerhägg
Zh-tw: 葡萄牙桂櫻
Zh-hant: 葡萄牙桂櫻
Cy: Coeden lawrgeirios Portiwgal, Llawr-Sirianen Portiwgal

Synonyms

• Cerasus lusitanica ((L.) Dum.Cours.)
• Padus lusitanica ((L.) Mill.)
• Lauro-cerasus lusitanica ((L.) M.Roem.)

Distribution

• Azores (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Sep 2, 2020 by sawada Tsuna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by mag san (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Philippe Comte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Marco Di (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Jean-François Deloustal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2019 by Leandro Martins Santos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by dany berge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Philippe Comte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2018 by Monique Richard (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Sophie Owles (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Kim Lake (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by sylh.expat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Ha Anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Philippe Comte (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by James Mwago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Kim Lake (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3020871)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:324746-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prunus lusitanica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 3