Daphne

Daphne’s fragrance history stretches back to antiquity, when Mediterranean cultures harvested its sweet scent for temple rites and royal courts. Greek poets praised its aroma as a symbol of purity, linking the plant to the myth of the nymph Daphne who became a laurel tree. Roman texts describe the use of Daphne oil in scented oils for bathing. By the 16th century, trade routes carried dried Daphne buds to the Far East, where Chinese herbalists incorporated the plant into medicinal balms. The 19th‑century rise of organic chemistry sparked interest in isolating Daphne’s volatile oils, leading to the first solvent‑extracted absolute in 1887. In the early 20th century, French perfumers introduced Daphne into classic chypre blends, cementing its role in modern fragrance architecture. Today, niche houses highlight Daphne for its fresh, green character, while sustainable farming practices protect its wild populations.