Common Name:

General Information

Buxus wallichiana is a much-branched, evergreen shrub or small tree, probably growing to 4 metres or more in the wild but seldom more than 2 metres in cultivation[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its high quality wood. It is often grown as an ornamental, where it can be trimmed and used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

The leaves have been reported to be fatal to cattle and other browsing animals except goats. They taste bitter due to the presence of alkaloids like buxines[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Asia - Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwest India, Nepal

Habitat

Steep shady rocky ravines, often gregarious, 1800 - 2700 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in almost any soil that is well-drained[, ]. Tolerates light shade and chalky soils[, ]. Tolerates a pH range from 5.5 to 7.4[].
This species is perfectly hardy in much of Britain[], tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c[], but it is very slow growing[].
The foliage is pungently scented, especially when wet[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The wood is diaphoretic[].

The leaves are bitter, diaphoretic and purgative[]. They have proved useful in the treatment of rheumatism and syphilis[]. A decoction is used to combat intestinal worms[].

The bark is febrifuge[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a hedge, they are very tolerant of pruning but are slow growing[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is uniformly light yellow to brownish yellow, with no distinction from the sapwood. The texture is even, the grain fine and smooth with silky lustre. The wood is very hard, highly durable. A high quality wood, generally only available in small dimensions, it is used for engraving; fine carving; turning; for manufacturing drawing, geometrical and musical instruments, snuff boxes and combs. It is at least equal in quality to Buxus sempervirens[, , , , , ].

Propagation

Seed - stratification is not necessary but can lead to more regular germination[]. The seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c but stored seed can take longer[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of short side shoots with a heel, September in a frame[]. Difficult[, , ].
Nodal cuttings in spring in a frame. Difficult[].