Daphne Genkwa

Fifty or so species of deciduous, semi-evergreen shrubs belong to this genus, occuring in Europe, N Africa, and Asia. Daphnes are choice, small shrubs for borders and containers, though certain species, such as the Chinese D. genkwa, are challenging to grow. Daphne is the Greek word for laurel, perhaps so called because some species have laurel-like leaves; in Greek legend, the nymph Daphne was saved by Apollo's advances by being changed into a laurel tree. Daphnes of various kinds have therapeutic properties. Daphne mezereum (mezereon) was once prescribed for rheumatism and indolent ulcers, but is seldom used today on account of its toxicity. It contains similar compounds to those in D gnidium and D. laureola (spurge laurel), which have anti-leukemic effects. Daphne genkwa was first described in Chinese medical literature c.CE25-200, based on texts going back to 1500BCE.

Upright, sparsely branched, deciduous shrub with light green, lanceolate to ovate leaves 3-6cm (1¼-2½in) long. Slightly fragrant, lilac flowers are produced in clusters as the new leaves develop in spring.


Common Name:
Daphne Genkwa
Botanical Name:
Daphne genkwa
Genus:
Daphne
Family:
Thymelaeaceae
Native Location:
China (W. Hubei)
Cultivation:
Well-drained, rich, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Remove weak and badly placed shoots in spring. Daphnes do not transplant successfully.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe; by softwood cuttings in early and midsummer; by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- to late summer.
Harvest:
Flower buds are picked in spring and dried for use in decoctions.
Height:
1m (3ft)
Width:
1m (3ft)
Hardiness:
Z5-7
Parts Used:
Flower buds (yuan hua)
Properties:
A bitter, acrid herb that controls coughs and has germicidal, diuretic, expectorant, and laxative effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for bronchitis, constipation, edema, and skin diseases (especially scabies); used in Chinese hospitals as an abortifacient. Externally for frostbite.
Warning:
Toxic if eaten
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 190