Common Name:

General Information

Daphnopsis occidentalis is an evergreen shrub around 1 - 3 metres tall, often becoming a slender tree growing up to 12 metres[, , ].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use[].
The habitat of Daphnopsis occidentalis is threatened by deforestation and real estate development. The plant is nationally assessed as 'Endangered' in the Cayman Islands, but globally it is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

Most, if not all, species in this genus contain toxic alkaloids[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Caribbean - Jamaica, Cayman Islands.

Habitat

Open or shady woodland, moist thickets, on limestone soils at elevations of 480 - 900 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Often found on limestone soils in the wild[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is supposed to have similar medicinal properties to mezereon (Daphne mezereum)[]. These are as detailed below:-

Mezereon has been used in the past for treating rheumatism and indolent ulcers, but because of its toxic nature it is no longer considered to be safe[]. The plant contains various toxic compounds, including daphnetoxin and mezerein, and these are currently being investigated (1995) for their anti-leukaemia effects[, ].
The bark is cathartic, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, stimulant and vesicant[, , , , ]. The root bark is the most active medically, but the stem bark is also used[]. It has been used in an ointment to induce discharge in indolent ulcers[] and also has a beneficial effect upon rheumatic joints[]. The bark is not usually taken internally and even when used externally this should be done with extreme caution and not applied if the skin is broken[, , ]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[].
The fruits have sometimes been used as a purgative[].
A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[]. It is used in the treatment of various skin complaints and inflammations[, ].

Other Uses

The fibre obtained from the bark makes very good ropes; it is fine, and spreads something like lace-bark[].

Propagation

Seed -

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