The Canary laurel (apollonias barbujana) is a perennial tree that can grow up to 25 metres
high.
In adult specimens the trunk is dirty-dark and its rind breaks up in large chunks as the tree
grows older.
The leaves are hard, simple, alternate, dark green in colour and lanceolate to elliptical in
shape, the margin slightly wavy. Often one finds protuberances called “galls” which are due
to the stings of determined insects.
The new leaf buds are reddish.
Flowers are hermaphrodite, pale yellow in colour and form small inflorescences around small
leaves.
The fruits grow to about 1,5 cm in length and are ovoid in shape. They become black-purple
when ripe.
