Size structure and dynamics of the threatened Laurus nobilis L population in Shahat, AL-Jabal AL-Akhdar, Libya

Abstract

The fragrant evergreen leaves of the bay tree, also known as laurel (Laurus nobilis L., Lauraceae), are a large shrub that are extensively used in Mediterranean cooking. The present work aimed to study the size structure of Lauru snobilis populations concerning their soil conditions. Twenty-one terraces (25m × 25m) were selected at Shahat of Al-Jabal Al-Akhder at three different levels. The height-to-diameter ratio was more than unity for Laurus nobilis. This means that the diameter of these species tends to expand vertically rather than horizontally. Five forms of size distribution along the different elevations were recognized. In the present study, it was found that Laurus nobilis exhibited more or less J-shaped distribution along elevation levels (downstream and midstream). Laurus nobilis exhibited more or less symmetrical distribution (bell-shaped) along the elevation level (upstream). The negative skewed distribution of Laurus nobilis indicated the dominance of mature individuals over the juvenile ones. The field observations were consistent with the results of the investigation of soil properties.