Spurge-olive (Daphne oleoides, Icon. Descr. Pl.: 13 (1766))

Family: Thymelaeaceae

Author: Schreb.

Bibliography: Icon. Descr. Pl.: 13 (1766)

Year: 1766

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Daphne

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

Daphne oleoides, commonly known as Spurge-olive, is a distinguished member of the Thymelaeaceae family cherished for its striking appearance and Mediterranean origin. This botanical gem was first illustrated and described in 1766 by Schreb. in “Icon. Descr. Pl.: 13.”

Spurge-olive is an evergreen shrub that catches the eye with its robust structure and lush foliage. The plant flourishes in warm climates, making it a frequent presence in Mediterranean landscapes where the conditions suit its growth requirements perfectly.

The leaves of Daphne oleoides are narrow, pointed, and possess a leathery texture, giving the shrub a resilient and hardy appearance. These leaves are often a deep green hue, contributing to the plant’s year-round splendor. During its blooming season, Spurge-olive produces small but striking clusters of flowers. These blossoms typically have a tubular shape and emit a pleasant fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators, enhancing the vitality of the surrounding flora.

An important characteristic of the Daphne oleoides is its adaptability to rocky and calcareous soils common within its natural habitat. This adaptability means the plant can thrive in less fertile soils where other species might struggle, making it a valuable addition to gardens aimed at fostering biodiversity.

In addition to its ornamental value, there are observations within Mediterranean tradition suggesting potential medicinal properties inherent to Spurge-olive, although such uses should be approached with caution due to the toxic nature of many species within the Daphne genus.

Overall, Daphne oleoides remains a symbol of rugged beauty and ecological resilience, playing a significant role in the horticultural tapestry of the Mediterranean region.

Common Names

Swe: olivtibast
Eng: spurge-olive
En: Spurge-olive, Olive Daphne
Ar: دفنة زيتونية
Bg: Маслиноподобно бясно дърво
Ca: Dafne oleoide
Fr: Daphné faux olivier
De: Ölbaumähnlicher Seidelbast, Bergseidelbast
It: Dafne, Dafne spatolata
Fa: توربید
Sv: Olivtibast

Synonyms

• Daphne oleoides var. glandulosa ((Bertol.) Keissl.)
• Daphne oleoides var. brachyloba (Meisn.)
• Daphne oleoides var. jasminea (Lázaro Ibiza)
• Daphne oleoides var. buxifolia ((Vahl) Keissl.)
• Nemoctis buxifolia (Raf.)
• Nemoctis angustifolia (Raf.)
• Daphne glandulosa (Bertol.)
• Daphne oleoides var. atlantica (Maire)
• Daphne lucida (Loisel.)
• Daphne oleoides f. puberula ((Jaub. & Spach) Keissl.)
• Daphne oleoides subsp. hispanica ((Pau) Rivas Mart.)
• Daphne oleoides var. puberula (Jaub. & Spach)
• Daphne caucasica (M.Bieb.)
• Daphne euboica (Rech.f.)
• Daphne hispanica (Pau)
• Daphne oleoides var. granatensis ((Pau) Font Quer)
• Daphne jasminea (Griseb.)
• Daphne hispanica var. granatensis (Pau)
• Daphne gnidioides (Szov. ex Meisn.)
• Daphne oleoides var. hispanica ((Pau) Cuatrec.)
• Daphne oleoides subsp. atlantica ((Maire) Rivas Mart., Molero Mesa, Marfíl & G.Benítez)
• Daphne buxifolia (Sm.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Alessandro Cappellini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Laszlo Tosoki (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2018 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Adamo Davide (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by abc d (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2019 by Antonio José Puente-Badía (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 6, 2004 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2004 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Laszlo Tosoki (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1990 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:831316-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7311536)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Daphne oleoides Schreb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 4