Flax-leaved daphne (Daphne gnidium, Sp. pl. 1:357. 1753)

Family: Thymelaeaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:357. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Daphne

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., Medit.

Description

Flax-leaved daphne (Daphne gnidium) is a notable species belonging to the family Thymelaeaceae. This plant is historically recognized in botanical literature, with its first formal description appearing in 1753 within Sp. pl. 1:357, attributed to the botanist Carl Linnaeus.

This evergreen shrub is predominantly found in the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. Its adaptability to various climatic conditions in these areas makes it a common sight in the wild. The flax-leaved daphne thrives in well-drained soils and is often seen in dry, rocky terrains.

One of the distinct characteristics of Daphne gnidium is its dense foliage made up of narrow, lanceolate leaves, which bear a striking resemblance to those of the flax plant, giving the species its common name. The leaves are glossy and green, contributing to its aesthetic appeal. During the blooming season, typically from late spring to early autumn, the plant produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators.

In addition to its ornamental value, the flax-leaved daphne is known for its traditional medicinal properties, although caution is advised due to its toxic elements. Historically, its extracts have been used in various herbal remedies, but it’s crucial to handle the plant with care, given its potentially poisonous nature.

In horticulture, Daphne gnidium is valued for its resilience and low-maintenance nature, making it a sought-after choice for Mediterranean-themed gardens. When grown in a suitable environment, it requires minimal intervention, providing a lush, green presence year-round.

Overall, the flax-leaved daphne is not only a plant of botanical interest due to its heritage and regional popularity but also an important species for natural and cultivated landscapes in Mediterranean climates.

Common Names

Swe: medelhavstibast
En: Flax-Leaved Daphne, Mediterranean Mezereon, Spurge Flax, Spurge Laurel
Eu: Torbisko
Ca: Matapoll, Astruc, Baladre, Tei
Zh: 亞麻葉瑞香
Co: Patellu
Fi: Syysnäsiä
Fr: Daphné garou, Garou, Sain-bois, Sainbois
Gl: Trobisco
De: Herbst-Seidelbast, Italienischer Seidelbast, Rispenblütiger Seidelbast, Südlicher Seidelbast
El: Δάφνη η γνίδιος
It: Dafne gnidio
Pt: Trovisco
Es: Matagallina, Torvisco, Matagallinas, Matapollos, Torbisco común, Torbisquera, Torvisco común, Torvisquera
Sv: Medelhavstibast
Vi: Thụy hương lá lanh
Wa: Sint-bwès

Synonyms

• Thymelaea gnidium ((L.) All.)
• Mistralia gnidium ((L.) Fourr.)
• Laureola gnidium ((L.) Samp.)
• Daphne gnidium f. vulgaris (Cout.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Sastre Oriol (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Jean-Michel CAUDE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2018 by katerinatzoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Isabelle Ribaute (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2018 by Jorge Hernández López (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Sastre Oriol (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 16, 2020 by Morales Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2020 by Audrey Allemand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2019 by Raúl Sánchez Pérez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by López Óscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Sastre Oriol (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 27, 2019 by Valérie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2002 by Diana Gavino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2020 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 3, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by maire sofia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2021 by Bart van Ulden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2021 by Miguel Ángel Segovia (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 2, 2021 by Bart van Ulden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2019 by Karim BOUDANI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7311306)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:831233-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Daphne gnidium L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 5