101 Species in Genus Buxus

The Enduring Allure of Boxwood: A Personal Exploration

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the quiet strength and understated elegance of boxwood. These evergreen shrubs, belonging to the genus Buxus, possess a timeless quality that transcends trends and fads in the gardening world. Their versatility, resilience, and rich history have captivated me for years, and I find myself continually fascinated by their subtle beauty.

A Diverse Family with a Shared Heritage

The Buxus genus comprises around 100 species, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. Some of the most notable members include:

  1. Buxus acuminata (Griseb.) Müll.Arg.
  2. Buxus acunae Borhidi & O.Muñiz
  3. Buxus acutata Friis
  4. Buxus aneura Urb.
  5. Buxus arborea Proctor
  6. Buxus austroyunnanensis Hatus.
  7. Buxus bahamensis Baker
  8. Buxus balearica Lam.
  9. Buxus bartlettii Standl.
  10. Buxus benguellensis Gilg
  11. Buxus bissei Eg.Köhler
  12. Buxus bodinieri H.Lév.
  13. Buxus braimbridgeorum Eg.Köhler
  14. Buxus brevipes (Müll.Arg.) Urb.
  15. Buxus calcarea G.E.Schatz & Lowry
  16. Buxus capuronii G.E.Schatz & Lowry
  17. Buxus cephalantha H.Lév. & Vaniot
  18. Buxus cipolinica Lowry & G.E.Schatz
  19. Buxus citrifolia (Willd.) Spreng.
  20. Buxus cochinchinensis Pierre ex Gagnep.
  21. Buxus cordata (Radcl.-Sm.) Friis
  22. Buxus crassifolia (Britton) Urb.
  23. Buxus cristalensis Eg.Köhler & P.A.González
  24. Buxus cubana (A.Rich.) Baill.
  25. Buxus ekmanii Urb.
  26. Buxus excisa Urb.
  27. Buxus foliosa (Britton) Urb.
  28. Buxus glomerata (Griseb.) Müll.Arg.
  29. Buxus gonoclada (C.Wright ex Griseb.) Müll.Arg.
  30. Buxus hainanensis Merr.
  31. Buxus harlandii Hance
  32. Buxus hebecarpa Hatus.
  33. Buxus henryi Mayr
  34. Buxus hildebrandtii Baill.
  35. Buxus humbertii G.E.Schatz & Lowry
  36. Buxus ichagensis Hatus.
  37. Buxus imbricata Urb.
  38. Buxus itremoensis G.E.Schatz & Lowry
  39. Buxus jaucoensis Eg.Köhler
  40. Buxus koehleri P.A.González & Borsch
  41. Buxus laevigata (Sw.) Spreng.
  42. Buxus lancifolia Brandegee
  43. Buxus latistyla Gagnep.
  44. Buxus leivae Eg.Köhler
  45. Buxus linearifolia M.Cheng
  46. Buxus lisowskii Bamps & Malaisse
  47. Buxus liukiuensis (Makino) Makino
  48. Buxus loheri Merr.
  49. Buxus macowanii Oliv.
  50. Buxus macrocarpa Capuron
  51. Buxus macrophylla (Britton) Fawc. & Rendle
  52. Buxus madagascarica Baill.
  53. Buxus malayana Ridl.
  54. Buxus marginalis (Britton) Urb.
  55. Buxus megistophylla H.Lév.
  56. Buxus mexicana Brandegee
  57. Buxus microphylla Siebold & Zucc. Plant FAQs: Japanese Boxwood – Buxus Microphylla
  58. Buxus moana Alain
  59. Buxus moctezumae Eg.Köhler, R.Fernald & Zamudio
  60. Buxus mollicula W.W.Sm.
  61. Buxus monticola G.E.Schatz & Lowry
  62. Buxus moratii G.E.Schatz & Lowry
  63. Buxus muelleriana Urb.
  64. Buxus myrica H.Lév.
  65. Buxus natalensis (Oliv.) Hutch.
  66. Buxus nipensis Eg.Köhler & P.A.González
  67. Buxus nyasica Hutch.
  68. Buxus obtusifolia (Mildbr.) Hutch.
  69. Buxus olivacea Urb.
  70. Buxus pachyphylla Merr.
  71. Buxus papillosa C.K.Schneid.
  72. Buxus pilosula Urb.
  73. Buxus portoricensis Alain
  74. Buxus pseudaneura Eg.Köhler
  75. Buxus pubescens Greenm.
  76. Buxus pubifolia Merr.
  77. Buxus pubiramea Merr. & Chun
  78. Buxus pulchella Baill.
  79. Buxus rabenantoandroi G.E.Schatz & Lowry
  80. Buxus retusa (Griseb.) Müll.Arg.
  81. Buxus revoluta (Britton) Mathou
  82. Buxus rheedioides Urb.
  83. Buxus rivularis Merr.
  84. Buxus rolfei S.Vidal
  85. Buxus rotundifolia (Britton) Mathou
  86. Buxus rugulosa Hatus.
  87. Buxus rupicola Ridl.
  88. Buxus sclerophylla Eg.Köhler
  89. Buxus sempervirens L. Plant FAQs: Buxus Sempervirens – Boxwood
  90. Buxus serpentinicola Eg.Köhler
  91. Buxus shaferi (Britton) Urb.
  92. Buxus sinica (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) M.Cheng Plant FAQs: Buxus Sinica – Chinese Boxwood
  93. Buxus sirindhorniana W.K.Soh, von Sternb., Hodk. & J.Parn.
  94. Buxus stenophylla Hance
  95. Buxus subcolumnaris Müll.Arg.
  96. Buxus triptera Eg.Köhler
  97. Buxus vaccinioides (Britton) Urb.
  98. Buxus vahlii Baill.
  99. Buxus wallichiana Baill.
  100. Buxus wrightii Müll.Arg.
  101. Buxus yunquensis Eg.Köhler

More Than Just a Pretty Face

While boxwood is often admired for its aesthetic appeal, it also boasts a rich history of practical uses. The wood itself is incredibly dense and hard, making it ideal for carving, engraving, and crafting fine instruments. In the past, boxwood was used to create everything from combs and chess pieces to printing blocks and musical instruments. Even today, it remains a favored material for woodwind instruments like clarinets and oboes.

Beyond its utilitarian applications, boxwood has also played a significant role in folklore and tradition. In ancient Greece, boxwood was associated with the goddess Hecate and was believed to offer protection against evil spirits. In some cultures, it symbolizes immortality and resurrection, often planted in cemeteries as a symbol of enduring memory.

A Gardener’s Companion

For me, the true allure of boxwood lies in its versatility as a garden plant. Whether used as a formal hedge, a topiary specimen, or a simple foundation planting, boxwood brings a sense of structure and elegance to any landscape. Its evergreen nature provides year-round interest, while its tolerance of pruning allows for creative expression.

I’ve personally experimented with boxwood in various ways in my own garden. I’ve shaped them into cones and spheres, used them to define pathways, and even incorporated them into container plantings. Their adaptability never ceases to amaze me, and I’m always discovering new ways to showcase their beauty.

Facing the Challenges

Despite their resilience, boxwood can face challenges, particularly from pests and diseases. Boxwood blight, a fungal disease, has become a growing concern in recent years, causing significant damage to plants. It’s crucial for gardeners to be vigilant and take preventative measures to protect their boxwood.

In my own experience, I’ve found that proper care and attention can go a long way in preventing problems. Ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and choosing disease-resistant cultivars are essential steps in maintaining healthy boxwood.

A Timeless Treasure

In a world of fleeting trends, boxwood remains a timeless classic. Its enduring appeal lies in its versatility, resilience, and rich history. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, boxwood offers something for everyone. For me, it’s a symbol of enduring beauty and a constant source of inspiration in my gardening journey.

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