Sarcococca orientalis
Encyclopedia
Sarcococca orientalis is a species in the genus Sarcococca
in the plant family Buxaceae
. It is commonly known as Christmas box or Sweet box. It is native to Jiangxi
province of south-east China, and forms a small evergreen shrub, preferring positions with some shade. The ovate-lanceolate
leaves are cuneate
at the base and can reach 9 cm in length. The leaves are longer than the leaves of the commonly cultivated S.confusa
and broader than S. hookeriana
. The pink-tinged white flowers are inconspicuous but sweetly-scented, and appear along the branches in midwinter, their scent most noticeable during mild spells. The small fruits (drupes) are black.
Sarcococca
Sarcococca, Sweet box, or Christmas box is a genus 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...
in the plant family Buxaceae
Buxaceae
Buxaceae are a small family of four or five genera and about 90-120 species of flowering plants. They are shrubs and small trees, with a cosmopolitan distribution...
. It is commonly known as Christmas box or Sweet box. It is native to Jiangxi
Jiangxi
' is a southern province in the People's Republic of China. Spanning from the banks of the Yangtze River in the north into hillier areas in the south, it shares a border with Anhui to the north, Zhejiang to the northeast, Fujian to the east, Guangdong to the south, Hunan to the west, and Hubei to...
province of south-east China, and forms a small evergreen shrub, preferring positions with some shade. The ovate-lanceolate
Leaf shape
In botany, leaf shape is characterised with the following terms :* Acicular : Slender and pointed, needle-like* Acuminate : Tapering to a long point...
leaves are cuneate
Leaf shape
In botany, leaf shape is characterised with the following terms :* Acicular : Slender and pointed, needle-like* Acuminate : Tapering to a long point...
at the base and can reach 9 cm in length. The leaves are longer than the leaves of the commonly cultivated S.confusa
Sarcococca confusa
Sarcococca confusa is a very adaptable and reliable shrub that is easily grown in many situations, including dense shade with very dry soil. It will however grow in full sun, even though the foliage appears to "bleach" a little. The shrub is mid winter flowering with a delightful sweet scent...
and broader than S. hookeriana
Sarcococca hookeriana
Sarcococca hookeriana is a species of evergreen shrub or groundcover, also known as "Himalayan Sweet Box". It is low-growing, usually between 12 and 24 inches high. It produces aromatic white flowers throughout winter followed by black berries. There are two varieties, of which Sarcococca...
. The pink-tinged white flowers are inconspicuous but sweetly-scented, and appear along the branches in midwinter, their scent most noticeable during mild spells. The small fruits (drupes) are black.