It is native of rich soils in the cloud zone of always moist spots in subtropical climate with a high air-humidity, on the Canary and Madeira islands.

Form available variables: ovate elliptic oblong lanceolate ... and leathery, deep green and glossy, more for the beam on the underside.

The flowers are small, about 1 cm diameter, unisexual, yellowish-white, fragrant and arranged in axillary crests, born in pairs beside a leaf.

Easily cultivated in any humus rich, well drained soil in a sunny (winter) to partially shaded (summer) spot.

Laurus novocanariensis is a species characteristic of the laurisilva forests of Macaronesia, but only native to the archipelagos of Madeira and the western and central Canary Islands.