Daphne papyracea

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

Daphne papyracea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to April. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Forests, 1200 - 2800 metres. Shaded places in forested areas at elevations of 1500 - 3200 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to C. Nepal..

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is bitter, febrifuge and purgative. The reports do not say which part of the plant is used.

Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

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

Other

Rating:

The inner bark is used in the manufacture of, or as a paper. It is one of the principle sources of Nepalese hand-made paper.

Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a cool lime-free well-drained sandy loam and a sunny position. Succeeds in neutral soils and tolerates partial shade. Likes plenty of moisture in the growing season. A good sandy loam and a sunny position suits most members of this genus. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Closely related to D. bholua. The flowers are fragrant. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible.

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: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: 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. cannabina. pro parte. D. odora. Don. non Thunb. D. papyrifera. pro parte.