I have a plant I bought when I lived in NJ that was labeled 'Indian Laurel'. It is not hardy and I used to have to bring it in each winter. Once, when it got zapped by frost, it lost all its leaves and secondary branches. Only the trunk remained alive. Today, in Houston, it is thriving outdoors year round. It's started to do the banyan thing and is putting down roots through the pavers in my driveway.