LAUREL SUMAC Meaning and
Definition
-
Laurel sumac, scientifically known as Malosma laurina, is a flowering evergreen shrub native to California, particularly found in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. This plant belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes poison oak and poison ivy.
The laurel sumac grows up to 6-8 feet tall with a dense, rounded canopy and thick, leathery leaves that are dark green and shiny. The leaves are oblong and can reach lengths of up to 5 inches. The stems of this shrub are reddish-brown and have a smooth texture.
During spring and summer, laurel sumac produces clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers that are white to pale pink in color. The flowers are followed by fruit clusters that develop into small, dark red berries, which are an important food source for various wildlife species.
One distinctive characteristic of laurel sumac is its aromatic leaves, which have a pleasant fragrance similar to bay leaves or camphor. Hence, it is often referred to as the "laurel" sumac.
Due to its attractive appearance and ability to tolerate different soil types, laurel sumac is often cultivated as an ornamental shrub in gardens and landscapes. Additionally, indigenous people have utilized different parts of this plant for various traditional purposes, including medicinal, culinary, and ceremonial uses.
It is worth noting that while laurel sumac is generally not toxic, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to its leaves or berries upon direct contact.
Common Misspellings for LAUREL SUMAC
- kaurel sumac
- paurel sumac
- oaurel sumac
- lzurel sumac
- lsurel sumac
- lwurel sumac
- lqurel sumac
- layrel sumac
- lahrel sumac
- lajrel sumac
- lairel sumac
- la8rel sumac
- la7rel sumac
- laueel sumac
- laudel sumac
- laufel sumac
- lautel sumac
- lau5el sumac
- lau4el sumac
Etymology of LAUREL SUMAC
The word "laurel" in "laurel sumac" derives from the Latin word "laurus", which refers to the laurel tree or shrub. The Latin term "laurus" is believed to have originated from the Ancient Greek word "dapnos" which meant "to rave or be crazy". This connection is possibly due to the ancient belief that if someone stood under a laurel tree for too long, they would go mad.
The word "sumac" comes from the Aramaic word "summāq", which means "red", referring to the vibrant red color of the sumac fruits. From Aramaic, the term made its way into Arabic as "summāq" and then into Latin as "sumach", before evolving into "sumac" in English.
Similar spelling words for LAUREL SUMAC
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
