466 DANAE DAPHNE 



produced four to six together at the end of the branches each on a stalk, 

 in. long. Fruit a berry, J in. across, red, with a pale, saucer-shaped 

 disk at the base. 



Native of S. Europe and Asia Minor; introduced in 1713. This 

 pretty evergreen with a rather bamboo-like habit, is closely allied to the 

 butcher's broom (Ruscus), and was once placed in the same genus. It 

 is, however, quite distinct in its terminal inflorescence, bisexual flowers, 

 and unarmed " leaves." The so-called " leaves," as in Ruscus, are really 

 flattened branches (cladodes), but perfectly resemble leaves, and perform 

 the ^ame functions. The sprays are valuable for winter cutting, and 

 placed in vases in association with flowers, remained fresh a long time, 

 and very pleasing in their cheerful, polished green. The plant thrives 

 well in semi-shaded spots in moist soil. Its fruits are not borne regularly 

 with us, but seeds can be purchased from seedsmen. Failing them, it is 

 easily increased by division in spring- 



DAPHNE. 



A genus of small, beautiful, mostly fragrant-flowered shrubs, both 

 evergreen and deciduous ; with tough, flexible bark and young wood. 

 Leaves alternate, except in D. Genkwa, never toothed or divided, and 

 with little ,or no stalk. Flowers very like those of a lilac, in having a 

 tubular base, expanding at the mouth into four spreading lobes. (There 

 is only one floral envelope, and it is usually called the "calyx" or 

 "perianth.") They are produced in terminal heads or axillary clusters. 

 Stamens eight, in two rows of four. Fruit berry-like, one-seeded. The 

 outside of the flower is frequently hairy, the inside frosted or glistening. 

 Most of the cultivated Daphnes are European, and are found on a lime- 

 stone formation, but a few are Asiatic. None is found in N. America, 

 but Dirca palustris of the eastern United States is a near ally. 



Whilst some of the Daphnes are easy to cultivate, others are found by 

 many growers and in many places to be difficult to establish. Most of 

 the European species prefer to grow where lime is present; they also 

 like good drainage combined with abundant moisture. D. Laureola and 

 pontica grow well in semi-shaded spots, and lime is not a necessity for 

 them. Nor is it necessary for D. odora, Dauphinii, or retusa. I have 

 not observed that a wholly peaty soil, recommended by many writers, is 

 good for Daphnes. A soil of good sandy loam with lime rubble mixed 

 is more likely to suit the majority. In places like the Thames Valley, 

 where there are frequently hot dry spells during the summer, small 

 boulders of limestone are useful laid over the roots to conserve moisture. 

 The majority like abundant sunshine, whilst they abhor dryness at the 

 root. The rock garden affords an admirable site for all the dwarfer 

 species. All or nearly all transplant badly, and should be given per- 

 manent places early. 



The odora group can be increased most readily by cuttings ; D. 

 Blagayana and D. Cneorum by layering; D. Mezereum, D. pontica, D. 

 Laureola, and D. alpina come freely from seed. For the rest grafting 



