Daphne
Daphne oleoides

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

A dense twiggy evergreen shrub. It grows 50 cm high. The stems often lie along the ground and it branches frequently. The leaves are 25 mm long. There are fine hairs underneath the leaves and on the young stems. The flowers are creamy white or pink. They are in clusters at the ends of branches. The fruit are orange and fleshy with a hard stone inside.

There are about 50 Daphne species.

Where it is found

It often grows on rocky mountain sites in the Mediterranean but not at low altitudes. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Europe, France, Greece, Himalayas, Italy, Mediterranean, Pakistan, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The berries have been recorded as eaten. They have also been used to make an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. CAUTION. The are said to cause nausea and vomiting.

Edible parts

Fruit, fruit - drink

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kanthan, Kutilal, Laghonai, Laighonai, Laighonay, Leghoney

Synonyms

Daphne buxifolia Vahl; and others