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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Laurelia sempervirens is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

L. aromatica. non Poir. L. serrata.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The bark and leaves are used as a spice[183]. The fruit and the seed are used[2, 46, 61, 177].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Nervine Skin Stomachic VD

Nervine, skin. It is also used in the treatment of colds, paralysis, stomach problems and VD[139].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - not durable, malodorous if cut across the grain. Used in construction[139]. It burns well but gives little heat[139].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in sun or semi-shade in any moderately fertile soil, including a limey soil, so long as it does not dry out in the growing season[200]. Requires a warm position sheltered from cold winds[200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[200]. It succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country[1], growing well and flowering regularly in Cornwall[11, 59]. Another report says that plants have withstood temperatures down to -11°c[104]. The foliage is very aromatic[188]. Closely related to L. serrata[182]. Another report says that L. serrata is a synonym for this species[200]. Plants are often dioecious, male and female plants will need to be grown if fruit and seed is required.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow February or March in a warm greenhouse. Germination rates are variable[78]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in individual pots in sandy soil in a frame. Keep them moist. Fair percentage[78]. Layering in spring[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Chile

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Laurelia novae-zealandiae	Pukatea	Tree	10.0	8-11		LMH	S	M	0	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Laurelia sempervirens - (Ruiz.&Pav.)Tul.