Laurus nobilis (bay laurel, "Gekkeiju")

Japanese name: ゲッケイジュ （月桂樹）
Scientific name: Laurus nobilis

[Overview]
An evergreen shrub or small tree sometimes reaching 7–18 m in height.
The leaves are simple and alternate, oblong to broadly lanceolate, 5–15 cm long and 2–4 cm wide, and leathery.
The upper surface is dark green and glossy, with distinct veins.
The leaf margins are entire and slightly wavy.
The leaves are aromatic.
The leaf stalk sometimes turns red.
The plant is dioecious; both the male and female inflorescences are umbels arising in the leaf axils, bearing 1–4 flowers.
The flowers are small and pale yellow, and the corolla is 4-lobed.
The fruit is ovoid to elliptical, 1–1.5 cm across, and ripens to blackish purple.

[History]
In ancient Greece, a crown made of its branches and leaves (the laurel wreath) was placed on the heads of victors, triumphant generals and great poets as a symbol of victory and honor.
In Greek mythology it is said to be the incarnation of the nymph Daphne, who was pursued by Apollo.
In Roman times the leaves were regarded as a cure-all, and a sprig of Gekkeiju was hung at the door of a house where someone was sick.

[Uses]
The leaves are used as a spice, for example to flavor dishes, and the leaves and fruit are also used medicinally.

[Cultivation]
Most cultivated plants are male, so propagation is mainly from cuttings.
When growing from seed, sow immediately after harvesting.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, fertile soil.
It does not like having large plants transplanted, and when repotting potted plants, take care not to damage the roots.
It tolerates dryness.
It is cold-hardy, but keep it out of cold winter winds; the guideline for overwintering temperature is -8°C.
For potted plants and for plants about one year after planting in the ground, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
Once established in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
For plants in the ground, apply basal fertilizer and also bury organic fertilizer around the plant in winter.
For potted plants, apply slow-release fertilizer in spring when the branches begin to grow.
It tolerates pruning and may be pruned at any time except in the coldest season.
When branches become crowded the inside becomes stuffy, so thin the branches to improve air circulation.
Pests and diseases include sooty mold and scale insects.

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