Bayleaf

Bay leaves are actually from the bay laurel tree. Originally from Asia, the laurel tree quickly spread to the Mediterranean where the warm climate suited it well. First uses of bay leaves are lost in time as far as records are concerned. Greek legends tell of how the god Apollo wore a wreath of bay leaves on his head and declared the tree sacred, after his love Daphne turned herself into a bay  tree.
Used in cooking, bay leaves are most often used fresh and whole, their slightly bitter flavour and fragrance being imparted to the other ingredients. The slightly waxy leaf does not lend itself to eating however, and it usually removed before serving. It can also be added to bouquet garni, or dried or crumbled.