About Prunus L.
Prunus laurocerasus, a species in the genus Prunus L., is an evergreen shrub or small to medium-sized tree. It typically grows 5 to 15 metres (16 to 49 ft) tall, rarely reaching 18 metres (59 ft), with a trunk up to 60 cm wide. Its leaves are dark green, leathery, and shiny; they measure (5–)10–25(–30) cm long and 4–10 cm broad, with finely serrated margins. When crushed, the leaves often give off an almond scent. Flower buds form in early spring and open in early summer, arranged in erect 7–15 cm racemes that hold 30–40 flowers. Each flower is 1 cm across, with five creamy-white petals and numerous yellowish stamens, and has a sweet fragrance. The fruit is a small cherry 1–2 cm broad that turns black when it ripens in early autumn. In Northern Ireland, this species grows as an escape in woodlands and shrublands, and it is commonly planted in parks and gardens. In Turkey, populations of this species found mainly in the Eastern Black Sea Region, particularly in Trabzon and Giresun, are classified as endemic. All parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides and amygdalin, which are responsible for the almond scent released when leaves are crushed. Leaves and seeds can cause severe discomfort or death if ingested by humans. Historically, extracts from the plant were used for executions and political assassinations in the Roman Empire, including during the rule of Nero. Laurel water, a distilled product made from this plant, contains prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) alongside other compounds, and is toxic. Prunus laurocerasus is a widely grown ornamental plant cultivated for gardens and parks across temperate regions worldwide. It is commonly used for hedges, screening, and mass planting in landscapes. Most cultivars are hardy shrubs that tolerate difficult growing conditions, including shade and drought, and tolerate heavy pruning well. Its foliage is also used as cut greenery for floristry. The fruits are astringent but edible, and only contain small amounts of hydrogen cyanide; any bitter-tasting fruit, which indicates higher hydrogen cyanide concentrations, should not be eaten. Seeds inside the fruit, like the leaves, contain much higher concentrations of hydrogen cyanide, and should never be eaten. The cyanide toxicity of this species' seeds is similar to that of apricot and peach seeds.
