Daphne

Daphne is a genus of between 50 and 95 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to Asia, Europe and north Africa. They are noted for their scented flowers and often brightly coloured berries. Two species are used to make paper. Many species are grown in gardens as ornamental plants; the smaller species are often used in rock gardens. All parts of daphnes are poisonous, especially the berries.

Description

Daphnes are shrubs, small to medium in size. The leaves are undivided, arranged alternately, and have short stalks. The flowers are grouped into small inflorescences, and have a four-lobed corolla, the upper lobe being slightly larger. The fruit is a drupe.

Taxonomy

The genus Daphne was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The name comes from Greek mythology, where Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree.

Species

There are between 50 and 95 species of Daphne. Some of the more well-known species include:

• Daphne mezereum – February daphne
• Daphne odora – winter daphne
• Daphne laureola – spurge laurel
• Daphne gnidium – flax-leaved daphne

Cultivation

Daphnes are popular garden plants, grown for their attractive growth habit, the small but highly fragrant flowers which appear in winter and early spring, and – in some species – showy fruit. They are used in rock gardens and in borders.

Toxicity

All parts of daphnes are poisonous, especially the berries. The sap can cause dermatitis, and the berries are particularly toxic, with ingestion potentially causing burning of the mouth and digestive tract, followed by coma. Despite this, they are often grown in gardens for their attractive appearance and fragrance.

Uses

Two species, Daphne gnidium and Daphne alpina, are used to make handmade paper.

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