Daphne

(daf'ne.) (Myth.) A nymph beloved by Apollo, to escape from whose pursuit she was changed by Earth into a laurel-tree.-(Bot.) A gen. of ornamental shrubs, O. Thyme lacer. Many of the species, chiefly European, are remarkable for the beauty and fragrance of their flowers, among which are: D. mezereum, the Mezereon,which forms adwarf bush with erect branches, and fragrant, pink flowers, appearing in early spring before the leaves expand; the fruits are red and pulpy, and are poisonous to man, though not to birds;-andD. laureola, the Spurge Laurel, which is a smaller plant than' the preceding, and has bright-green, oblong, evergreen leaves, and greenish, scentle flowers. [s. 264]