As of Autumn 2020, the taxonomy and classification of Daphniphyllum is very confused and much in need of a comprehensive revision. The biggest problem is that the flowers, usually an important taxonomic character, are minuscule (in most cases less than 2 mm long), while the vegetative characters are all rather similar, but vary with population, habitat and situation - making them extremely uncooperative as subjects for study in the herbarium. Here we follow the treatment in Kew ‘Plants of the World’online database (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:15293-1)

Common Name:

General Information

Daphniphyllum calycinum is an evergreen shrub usually growing around 1.5 - 4 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of oil.
Daphniphyllum calycinum has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southeast China (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Jiangxi), southern Japan, northern Vietnam

Habitat

Forests and thickets; at elevations up to 700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Daphniphyllum calycinum is native to the subtropical zone in southeast China at elevations up to 700 metres. It is unlikely to be very frost tolerant.
Prefers a sheltered position in sun to semi-shade, with a well-drained, moist fertile soil. Moisture is particularly important in the growing season[].
A dioecious species, both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots and leaves are used in Chinese medicine[]. No more details.

Other Uses

The seeds are rich in oil, which is used for lubrication and refined soap[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of moderately ripened wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel or at a junction with old wood, July in individual pots in a frame. The cuttings are slow to root, give them brisk bottom heat[]. Fair percentage[].
Layering of current seasons growth, 12cm long in mid summer to early autumn. Takes 12 - 18 months. High percentage[].