Authors: C. Stace, R. van der Meijden (ed.) & I. de Kort (ed.)
Search
Scientific name:

Buxus sempervirens

Vernacular name:

Box


Use the links below to jump to previous and next taxa in a text browser:
Ilex altaclerensis(x) - Holly, Highclere
Pachysandra terminalis - Box, Carpet

Box

Scientific name: Buxus sempervirens L.

Diagnostic features
Shrub or small tree to 5(11)m.
Leaves 1-2.5cm, elliptic to oblong, rounded to retuse at apex.
Flowers pale yellow.
Fruits 7-11mm, green, with persistent styles as 3 horns.

Chromosome number: 2n=28.

Habitat
Native; woods and scrub on chalk and limestone.

Distribution
Extremely local in West Kent, Surrey, Berks, Bucks and West Gloucs, rarely naturalized in hedges and woods elsewhere in South England.

This species is keyed out on Page 1646: Coprosma (Rubiaceae) & Buxus (Buxaceae) in the Text Key.

Buxus sempervirens (Box)
Description provides information about characters, distribution and habitat of the selected species or higher group. You can search using vernacular or scientific name.
Box
General introduction, overview of the species treated and functionality of the site
A tree, picture gallery and alphabetical lists provide access to the species and higher groups
Descriptions of species
Descriptions of higher groups
Identification keys
Atlas
Glossary
Literature references
Test your knowledge of the species treated
Concise explanation of the BIS program
Authors of and contributors to this project
Return to the main index of the World Biodiversity Database