Azorean Laurel

Laurus Azorica

Perennial tree, usually with vigorous branches. Generally above 500m but occasionally descending until 175m. It is an important member of the native highland forest, although it is not always the dominant tree species. It may appear in flat and dry lava flows, but clearly prefers moist habitats protected from craters and streams, or even dense forests where it shelters other plants characteristic of the native Azores forest, both vascular and bryophyte. In very protected habitats the laurel leaves are colonized by small hepatic epiphytes.