Daphne

Daphne

Daphne, a figure in Greek mythology, was in various retellings a mortal woman or a nymph, daughter of a river god. The god Apollo fell in love with Daphne and chased her against her wishes, but before he caught her, Daphne prayed for escape, and was transformed into a laurel tree. Thenceforth Apollo developed a special reverence for laurel.

Daphne (plant)

Daphne is a genus of between 70 and 95 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to Asia, Europe and north Africa. They are noted for their scented flowers and often brightly coloured berries. Two species are used to make paper. Many species are grown in gardens as ornamental plants; the smaller species are often used in rock gardens. All parts of daphnes are poisonous for humans, especially the berries, though birds eat these freely to disperse the seeds.

Daphne

Proper noun

1. A taxonomic genus within the family Thymelaeaceae – daphnes, Old World shrubs with scented flowers and poisonous berries.

Proper noun

1. A dryad pursued by Apollo, who was turned into a laurel tree by the river god Peneus.
2. 41 Daphne, a main belt asteroid.