Daphne oleoides

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

Daphne oleoides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Dry open slopes in Kashmir, 1700 - 2300 metres.

S. Europe, N. Africa and W. Asia to the Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

There is a report that the fruit is eaten, but this report then goes on to say that they cause nausea and vomiting. There is also a report that they can be distilled to make an alcoholic drink.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The roots are purgative. An infusion of the bark and leaves are used in the treatment of cutaneous affections. The leaves are also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea and are applied to abscesses.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a cool lime-free well-drained friable soil. Plants are usually calcicole and require an acid soil. Survives in any well-fed and well-drained soil in sun or part shade according to one report which also says that it is a reliable plant in most parts of the country. This species is not very hardy outside the mildest areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible. The flowers have a clove-like perfume.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place. The seed usually germinates better if it is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it dries on the plant) and sown immediately. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant are poisonous. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

D. buxifolia. Sibth.&Smith. D. glandulosa. D. jasminea. non Sibth.&Smith. D. lucida.