Contents
Description
Buxaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes about 50-90 species of shrubs and trees. These plants are native to various regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. They are known for their attractive foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically green or yellow in color. Buxaceae plants are also valued for their wood, which is used for carving and making furniture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Buxales |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Genus | Buxus |
Appearance
Buxaceae plants are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees. They typically have dense foliage that is dark green in color and glossy in texture. The leaves are simple, alternate, and leathery, with a smooth margin. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and usually green or yellow in color. The fruit is a capsule or a berry that contains one or two seeds. The bark of some species is smooth and gray, while others have a rough, scaly texture.
Care Guide
Buxaceae plants are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for these plants:
- Water: Buxaceae plants prefer moist, well-draining soil, so water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater.
- Fertilization: These plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Buxaceae plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
- Sunlight: These plants prefer partial to full shade, although some species can tolerate full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Buxaceae plants are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, depending on the species.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buxaceae plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by a few common problems:
- Boxwood Blight: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and dieback in boxwood plants.
- Boxwood Psyllid: This insect pest can cause yellowing and distortion of boxwood leaves.
- Boxwood Leafminer: This insect pest can cause yellowing and curling of boxwood leaves.
Habitat
Buxaceae plants are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. They are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, but some species have been introduced to other parts of the world and have become invasive in some areas.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the most common use for Buxaceae wood?
A: Buxaceae wood is commonly used for carving and making furniture.
Q: What is the preferred growing condition for Buxaceae plants?
A: Buxaceae plants prefer moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Q: What are some common pests that can affect Buxaceae plants?
A: Boxwood psyllid and boxwood leafminer are common pests that can affect Buxaceae plants.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for most Buxaceae plants?
A: Buxaceae plants are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, depending on the species.
Related Plants
- Buxus sempervirens (Common box)
- Buxus microphylla (Japanese box)
- Buxus harlandii (Harland box)
- Buxus sinica (Chinese box)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses.
- Flora of China Editorial Committee. (2008). Flora of China.
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Buxaceae. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/java/ClassificationServlet?source=display&classid=Buxaceae
