"I have known laurel wands perform powerful and sometimes lethal magic."
-- Mr. Ollivander (Pm)
A wand wood (Pm).
- Laurel wood will shock a wand thief with a "spontaneous lightning strike" (Pm)
- Laurel has a reputation for being "fickle," according to Mr. Ollivander (Pm)
Commentary
Etymology
from Latin laurus "laurel tree"
Notes
The laurel tree has the scientific name "Laurus nobilis" or "laurel of renown" and refers to the ancient Greek tradition of weaving wreaths of green leaves to place on the heads of heroes, scholars and athletes. The word "laurel" is included in the words "baccalaureate" (meaning a college degree) and "poet laureate" (the best poet), as well as the old saying "to rest on one's laurels," meaning to be satisfied with your success. In Christian symbolism, the laurel represents the resurrection of Jesus, because it was seen as a victory over death.
The leaves, known as "bay leaves," as well as the aromatic berries are used in Mediterranean cuisine. A substance called "eucalyptol" found in the leaves is also made into healing salves for pain as well as aromatherapy.