About Daphne gnidium L.
Daphne gnidium L. is an upright branching shrub that reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 meters (4 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 7 inches). It has dense, dark green lanceolate leaves with sticky undersides. This species produces fragrant white flowers in late spring or early summer. Its fruit is a round red drupe approximately 8 millimeters (0.31 inches) in diameter, which develops during autumn. Daphne gnidium grows well in sandy loam. It can be found growing in fields, woodlands, garrigues, and hillsides. It is native to the northwestern Mediterranean region, including southern Europe from Portugal east to Greece, and northwestern Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This plant contains the toxins mezerein and daphnetoxin. All parts of the plant are classified as highly poisonous. Skin contact with the plant's sap can cause dermatitis. While the chance of death is low, death is possible within six hours of direct consumption. Direct consumption will at minimum cause severe digestive and metabolic reactions, which can also trigger lethal allergic reactions.
