Article Nº 2136 Plant Vol. II · p. 543
Cherry laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus)
Original title: Louro-Cerejo (Prunus Laurocerasus)
The cherry laurel, a Persian shrub cultivated in upland Madeira, also called louro inglês, whose oil contains prussic acid.
A small tree or shrub of the Rosaceae family, cultivated at Camacha, Monte, Choupana, etc. It is native to Persia and is recognised by its large, obovate-elliptic, serrated leaves, which smell of bitter almonds when crushed between the fingers. The essential oil and distilled water of cherry laurel contain prussic acid. In Madeira the cherry laurel is also known as louro inglês.