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Buxus balearica
Scientific Name: Buxus balearica
Family: Buxaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Balearic Box (Buxus balearica)
Buxus balearica, commonly known as Balearic Box, Minorca Box, or Giant Box Tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree appreciated for its glossy, dark green foliage.
Considerations for Pets
- Buxus balearica has leaves that can be described as leathery.
Considerations for Children
- Buxus balearica has leaves that can be described as leathery.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Buxus balearica Lam. (1785)
- Common Names: Balearic Box, Minorca Box, Giant Box Tree, Balearic Boxwood
- Family: Buxaceae
- Genus: Buxus (approximately 70 species)
- Synonyms: The text mentions it is an accepted name according to WCSP.
- Taxonomic Serial Number (ITIS): 894931
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Mediterranean Basin, including the Balearic Islands, Spain, Algeria, France (Corsica), and Italy.
- Specifically found in Buxus balearica box thickets and formations of coastal regions of Andalusia (bordering the Sea of Alboran) and the Balearics.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Evergreen shrub or small tree, growing up to 3 meters (9 feet) in height and width.
- Slow-growing and bushy.
- Leaves are dark green, glossy, elliptic, and leathery with entire margins, measuring 25-45mm long, making it the largest-leaved box plant commonly available.
- Leaves are aromatic when wet or damp.
- Flowers from April to May.
Ecological Role
- Presently, it is at risk of extinction in parts of its native range (e.g., Algeria, France, Italy).
Genetic/Cytological Information
- Nuclear ribosomal markers have been used to study phylogeographic splits within the species.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Described as an ambophilous and selfing species, indicating a mixed-pollination system.
Cultivation
- Easily grown in evenly moist, well-drained sandy loams.
- Thrives in full sun to part shade.
- Hardy to zone 8 (UK).
Chemical Composition
- Contains various alkaloids, including cyclomicrophylline-B, cycloprotobuxines A, C, and D, and balabuxine.
Resources and Further Information
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
- World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP)
- BSBI List of British & Irish Vascular Plants and Stoneworts
- Rogers Trees and Shrubs
- dict.cc German-English Dictionary
- Wikimedia Commons
- International Plant Names Index
- The European Nature Information System (EUNIS)
- Discover Life
- NBN (data.nbn.org.uk) for UK distribution map