BUXUS SEMPERVIRENS

COMMON BOX

Dense and bushy evergreen shrub. Leaves arranged in opposite pairs, two to three centimetres long, which are hard and glossy on the underside. It grows bunches of small flowers with a single female flower in the centre surrounded by the other male flowers. It has round fruit, each containing six black seeds.

FUN FACT: Its leaves contain a highly poisonous alkaloid called buxine which prevents the plant from being eaten by cows and other herbivorous animals. Additionally, its high sprouting capacity allows it to survive forest fires. Its wood is used to make kitchen utensils such as spoons, forks and bowls. Did you know that the National Lottery balls are made from boxwood?