The Portugal laurel is an evergreen tree, native to Southwest Europe and Morocco, and naturalised in the UK. The tree produces small, cherry-like fruits that are reddish green at first, ripening to purple or black. A purple dye is made from the ripe fruits by heating them in water and adding a tin or alum mordant. A dark blue dye is produced in the absence of a mordant.
Next: Punica granatum (Pomegranate)
Return to the trail home page.