Buxus Sempervirens, a small ornamental shrub

Buxus Sempervirens, a small ornamental shrub

A very recognized plant is the Buxus Sempervirens, although by this name it is perhaps a little difficult to recognize, the most common name by which this shrub is treated is Boxwoodused in many arrangements and occasions by decorators, gardeners or plant enthusiasts, this small plant being increasingly popular.

Like almost all plants and trees, Boxwood also needs good care so that its growth and appearance is the bestWhether it is planted outdoors or indoors, the needs of this plant are practically the same as any other and although Buxus Sempervirens is very resistant it can also suffer or be affected by some pest or disease.

Characteristics and origin of the Buxus Sempervirens or Boxwood

origin of Buxus Sempervirens or Boxwood

Let’s take a closer look at what we need to know to care for this tree, such as its characteristics and its origin.

The scientific name of this tree we already know it, it is Buxus sempervirens and its common name or by which it is most recognized is: Boj, Common boxwood, belongs to the Magnoliopsida class, the Buxaceae family and the Buxus genus.

The origin of this tree comes from Europe, a tree that usually grows in dry hills or thickets In the central and southern areas of this continent, in Asia Minor, in North Africa and in the southern Himalayas, this tree has also grown and formed, it is common to find it in these areas.

Characteristics of the Buxus Sempervirens or Boxwood

It’s a small evergreen treeIn its natural habitat this tree can reach up to 12 meters in height, although if it is cultivated and treated, it is usual to let it grow at least 3 meters, in this way this tree can be considered a shrub.

It can be found being part of the forest, near tree species such as pines, oaks, holm oaks or on rocky slopes.

The stem of this tree is highly branched, if the bush is young its bark is found with a smooth texture and if it is an adult shrub, its bark has cracks, it is a tree whose growth process is quite slow and its propagation is not usually by seeds but by mirrors.

Its leaves are oval in shape, their size can reach 3 cm in length, with a Intense green on the upper side, while on the opposite side they are a bit more opaque and somewhat yellowish.

The Flowers of the Buxus Sempervirens or Boxwood

The Flowers of the Buxus Sempervirens or Boxwood

This tree usually blooms at the end of winterthey are flowers are of the monoecious genus, which makes their flowers male or female but not both genders at the same time, they are flowers that have no odor, of a white color and can measure approximately 2 mm, the fact that they do not have a smell is not supposed to contain nectar.

The fruits of this plant can be found in species of gray or brown capsules with an oval and hard shape, its fruits have an approximate measure of 1 cm and they ripen in summer, in each capsule we can find 6 dark-colored seeds.

One of the most outstanding aspects of this Boxwood is that its duration is estimated to be up to 600 years, which indicates that can decorate any environment for a long time.

Most common uses of Buxus Sempervirens or Boxwood

As we already know, it is very common in ornamental decorations for events or simply decorations in homesIt is widely used in gardening to form hedges and moldings, the cut of this tree is long lasting due to its slow growth process.

The seeds can be used in table or floral arrangements, its wood has become the protagonist in engravings and sculptures due to hardness and color.

Boxwood has also come to be used in medicine, has been used to treat health problems such as constipation, fever, rheumatism, despite the fact that its fruits and leaves contain a component that is harmful, along with the bark and roots, it has been possible to treat these diseases.

Buxus Sempervirens, a small ornamental shrub

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