Daphne

Daphne is a genus of shrubby plants typical of Eurasia established by Carlos Linnaeus in 1753. It belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family and is made up of about 70 species, both perennial and deciduous among which are included the laurel and the torvisco.

Some species of the genus Daphne can reach up to one meter in height. They have small, often fragrant flowers that are clustered at the tips of the branches, lacking petals and with a calyx made up of fused sepals that spread out into four lobes. They bear fruit in a berry (drupe) which, in this genus, is poisonous.

Taxonomy

The genus was described by Charles Linnaeus and published in Species Plantarum 1: 356. 1753.

Etymology

Daphne; generic name that we find mentioned for the first time in the writings of the Greek physician, pharmacist and botanist who practiced in ancient Rome, Dioscorides. Probably in the denomination of some plants of this genus the legend of Apollo and Daphne is remembered. Daphne's name in Greek means 'laurel', as the leaves of these plants are very similar to those of the laurel.

Species