Daphne genkwa is a deciduous shrub and one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has the name yuán huā. The plant was discovered by the prolific British plant collector Charles Maries (1851–1902).

Subspecies

In addition to the nominate subspecies, Daphne genkwa subsp. genkwa, two further subspecies are recognized. Both are treated as separate species by the Flora of China. 'Daphne genkwa'' subsp. jinzhaiensis' (D.C.Zhang & J.Z.Shao) Halda (syn. Daphne jinzhaiensis'') differs from subsp. genkwa in its terminal 3–5-flowered racemes, each flower having a tube 10–12 mm long. It is found in Anhui, China. 'Daphne genkwa'' subsp. leishanensis' (H.F.Zhou ex C.Yung Chang) Halda (syn. Daphne leishanensis'') differs from subsp. genkwa having blackish-purple older branches and reddish flowers 6–7 mm long. It is found in Guizhou, China, where it grows on rocky slopes with bushes at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1200 m.

Distribution

Daphne genkwa occurs in China, Korea, and Vietnam.