Buxus

Buxus sempervirens0

Buxus-microphylla-sinica

Buxus henryi

Buxus wallichiana

Boxwood Buxus sempervirens var. arborescens Bark 2597px

Buxus is a genus of about 70 species in the family Buxaceae. Commonly known as box or boxwood, these plants are native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and across Asia to the Pacific Ocean. Buxus species are evergreen shrubs and small trees, known for their dense, slow-growing, and hardy nature, making them particularly popular in garden and landscape design. The leaves are opposite, leathery, and small, while the flowers are inconspicuous, yellow-green, and borne in clusters.

Description

Buxus plants can range from 2 to 12 meters in height, with some species adapted to understorey environments in forests, and others suited to more open, dry habitats. The leaves of Buxus are characteristically small, ranging from 1.5 to 5 cm in length, and are used in horticulture for creating formal hedges and topiary. The wood of Buxus is extremely dense and fine-grained, making it valuable for carving and inlay work in furniture and woodworking.

Cultivation and Uses

Buxus is widely cultivated for its aesthetic appeal in gardens and parks. It is particularly valued for its ability to withstand heavy pruning and shaping, making it a favorite for creating topiary and well-defined hedges. The slow growth rate of Buxus means that these structures can maintain their shape for long periods with minimal maintenance. In addition to ornamental use, the wood of Buxus, known as "boxwood", is highly prized for its use in making musical instruments, rulers, and other precision tools due to its fine grain and high density.

Species

Among the numerous species of Buxus, some of the most well-known include:

• Buxus sempervirens (Common Box or European Box), widely used in European and North American gardens.
• Buxus microphylla (Japanese Box), popular in East Asia and increasingly in Western horticulture for its smaller leaves and good cold tolerance.
• Buxus sinica (Chinese Box), known for its use in traditional Chinese gardens.

Conservation

While many species of Buxus are common and widely cultivated, some are threatened in their natural habitats due to factors such as habitat loss, over-collection, and disease. The box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis), an invasive species in Europe, has caused significant damage to Buxus populations. Conservation efforts are underway in several countries to protect native Buxus species and manage pests and diseases that threaten them.

Cultural Significance

Buxus has a long history of cultivation, dating back to ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, where it was used to adorn gardens and public spaces. In modern times, it continues to be associated with formal garden design and is a symbol of endurance and longevity due to its evergreen nature and slow growth.