Buxaceae is a small of four or five genera and about 90-120 species of flowering plants. They are shrubs and small trees, with a cosmopolitan distribution. A fifth genus sometimes accepted in the past (Notobuxus), has been shown by genetic studies to be included within Buxus (Balthazar et al., 2000).
The family is recognised by most taxonomists, and is sometimes known as the box family. However, its placement and circumscription has varied; some taxonomists treat Styloceras in its own family Stylocerataceae, and others have included Simmondsia (usually placed in its own family Simmondsiaceae) in Buxaceae.
The APG II system of 2003 recognises the family, but in a new circumscription in that it includes the genus Didymeles (two species of evergreen trees from Madagascar). However, APG II does allow the option of segregating this genus as family Didymelaceae, as an optional segregate. This represents a slight change from the APG system of 1998, which firmly recognised both families as separate. In both APG and APG II the family Buxaceae is unplaced as to order and left among the basal lineages of the eudicots. The AP website suggests instating the order Buxales for this family and the family Didymelaceae.
Balthazar, M. von, Peter K. Endress, P. K., and Qiu, Y.-L. 2000. Phylogenetic relationships in Buxaceae based on nuclear internal transcribed spacers and plastid ndhF sequences. Int. J. Plant Sci. 161(5): 785–792 (available online).
Buxaceae, Didymelaceae, Stylocerataceae in L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). The families of flowering plants
Profusely branched shrubsordwarf trees. Leaves opposite, sessile or subsessile, entire, glabrous or hairy.Inflorescencepedunculate or sessile, of dense racemoseclusters, often with a terminal female flower surrounded by several male flowers. Flowers greenish-yellow, unisexual (plantsmonoecious), sessile to shortly pedicellate.Sepals
4-6, unequal. Stamens 4, free, inserted on receptacle around vestigialovary, anthersoblong with thick connective, dehiscing longitudinally. Ovary tricarpellary, syncarpous, 3-loculed, each locule 2-ovuled; styles 3, rarely basally connate, spreading, short, stigma 2-lobed. Capsulecoriaceous, ovoid, 3-beaked with persistent styles, dehiscing into 3, 2-seeded and 2-horned valves.Seed caruncled, somewhat
triangular or oblong, glossy-black; embryo with oblong cotyledons.[1][more]
Buxaceae is a small of four or five genera and about 90-120 species of flowering plants. They are shrubs and small trees, with a cosmopolitan distribution. A fifth genus sometimes accepted in the past (Notobuxus), has been shown by genetic studies to be included within Buxus (Balthazar et al., 2000). [more]
Pachysandra
Pachysandra is a genus of four or five species of groundcovers or subshrubs, belonging to the Boxwood Family, Buxaceae. The species are native to eastern Asia and southeast North America, some reaching a height of 20-45 cm, with only weakly woody stems. The leaves are alternate, leathery, with an entire to coarsely toothed margin, and range from 5-10 cm long. [more]
Sarcococca
Sarcococca (Sweet box) is a of 16-20 species of flowering plants in the family Buxaceae, native to eastern and southeastern Asia and the Himalaya. They are slow-growing evergreen shrubs 1-2 m tall. The leaves are borne alternately, 3-12 cm long and 1-4 cm broad. They bear fragrant flowers, often in winter. The fruit is a red or black drupe containing 1-3 seeds. Some species are cultivated for ground cover in shady areas. This Sarcococca can be placed in semi-shade or shade. This plant flowers from December till around March. The height of this plant is 80 cm approximately. Pruning is not recommended. Evergreen. Before planting submerge the plant in a bucket of water for about 10 minutes. [more]
Styloceras
Styloceras is a genus of in family Buxaceae. It contains the following species (but this list may be incomplete): [more]
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