Buxus microphylla
Buxus microphylla | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Buxales |
Family: | Buxaceae |
Genus: | Buxus |
Species: | B. microphylla
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Binomial name | |
Buxus microphylla |
Buxus microphylla, the Japanese box or littleleaf box, is a species of flowering plant in the box family found in Japan and Taiwan.[1] It is a dwarf evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and wide .The bright green leaves are 10–25 millimetres (0.39–0.98 in) long, oval with a rounded or notched tip.[2][3] The species was first described from Japanese cultivated plants of an unknown origin. They are unknown in the wild.
Plants from Taiwan are distinguished as Buxus microphylla var. tarokoensis S.Y.Lu & Y.P.Yang.[4] Plants from China and Korea formerly often cited as Buxus microphylla var. sinica are now treated as a distinct species Buxus sinica.[5]
Uses
The species is grown as an ornamental plant, both in its native area and elsewhere in temperate regions around the world.[6] It is particularly suitable for topiary or low hedging. Buxus microphylla var. compacta (Kingsville dwarf boxwood) and similar cultivars are frequently used for bonsai.
The cultivar ‘Faulkner’ (1 metre (3.3 ft) tall by 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) broad) has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[7]
In Japan, the wood of this plant is sometimes used for a hanko (seal)[8].
References
- ^ "Buxus microphylla". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
- ^ Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.
- ^ Bean, W. J. (1976). Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles 8th ed., vol. 1. John Murray ISBN 0-7195-1790-7.
- ^ "Buxus microphylla var. tarokoensis". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
- ^ "Buxus microphylla var. sinica". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
- ^ Plants For A Future: Buxus microphylla Retrieved September 26, 2007.
- ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Buxus microphylla 'Faulkner'". Retrieved 12 January 2018.
- ^ https://www.inkan-takumi.com/service/material_tsuge.html (in Japanese) Inkan-takumi.com