The Laurustinus

The Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus L.) is a shrub with thick evergreen foliage which can reach up to five metres in height. In Spain, it can be found in the shady, moist undergrowth of woods populated with holm oaks, cork oaks,Portuguese oaks and strawberry trees. In Roman times, it was called tinus,which means “wild laurel”. It requires very little care, responds well to pruning and has long-lasting flowers and fruits, making it a popular choice in Mediterranean gardens. It is the most abundant shrub in the poplar grove and wood around the Alhambra and in the trees in the shaded part of theGeneralife. Its magnificent blossom first appears at the end of January and can continue well into March. Those walking through the wooded areas at this time of year will therefore be surrounded by small forests of flowers. Another unusual feature of this plant is that the flowers and the fruit appear at the same time. In the picture we can see the Laurustinus bushes near the Gate of Arms (Puerta de las Armas).