Buxus Species and Cultivars
– Buxus austro-yunnanensis (Yunnan box; southwest China)
– Buxus balearica (Balearic box; Balearic Islands, southern Spain, northwest Africa)
– Buxus bodinieri (China)
– Buxus cephalantha (China)
– Buxus cochinchinensis (Malaysia, Vietnam)
– Buxus Green Velvet (cultivar)
– Buxus microphylla var. koreana Winter Gem (cultivar)
Uses of Buxus
– Cultivation: commonly grown as hedges and for topiary
– Wood carving: good wood for fine wood carving, resistant to splitting and chipping; used for decorative or storage boxes
– Musical instruments: used for parts of stringed instruments such as tailpieces, chin rests, and tuning pegs
– Historical: important for measurement scales, technical drawing rulers, and other measuring devices
Buxus Distribution
– Europe, northwest Africa, Asia:
– Buxus hainanensis (Hainan box; China: Hainan)
– Buxus harlandii (Harlands box; southern China, Vietnam)
– Buxus hebecarpa (China)
– Buxus henryi (Henrys box; China)
– Buxus hyrcana (Caspian box; Alborz, eastern Caucasus)
Boxwood Carving
– Boxwood’s fine grain suitable for woodblock printing and woodcut blocks
– Used for intricate decorative carvings, including rosary prayer beads
– Carved into high-quality wooden spoons and chess pieces
– The largest collection of boxwood carvings is at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto
Miscellaneous Concepts
– Nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacers and Plastid Sequences:
– Play a crucial role in plant taxonomy and phylogenetic studies
– Used to identify and classify plant species
– Provide information about evolutionary relationships among plants
– Invasive Caterpillar:
– Poses a threat to the UK ecosystem
– Can cause damage to plants and crops
– Measures should be taken to prevent its spread
– Chess Piece Materials:
– Boxwood commonly used, along with ebony, ivory, and plastic
– Boxwood valued for fine grain and durability
– Small Wonders in AGOs Collection:
– AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) has a collection of strange and unique possessions
– Showcased in the Small Wonders exhibition, highlighting the beauty and intricacy of small objects
– Highland Bagpipe:
– Traditional Scottish musical instrument with a distinct sound
– Consists of various components, including the chanter and drones
– Used in various events and ceremonies, requiring skill and practice. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buxus
