i 



XXII 

 THE BOX 



evergreen shrubs and small trees, 

 popularly known as Boxes, are repre- 

 sented in gardens by not more than 

 half a dozen species ; these are, how- 

 ever, augmented by a large number of varieties, 

 the majority of which are of decorative value. 

 Scientifically they are known by the generic 

 name of Buxus, a genus belonging to the Spurge 

 family, Euphorbiacese. The Boxes are recog- 

 nised by their simple, leathery, opposite leaves 

 which are destitute of stipules and have usually 

 a clefted apex ; by their tiny, axillary, unisexual 

 flowers, which are borne in small clusters in 

 March, each cluster containing several male and 

 one or two female flowers ; and by their three- 

 celled fruits and black, nut-like seeds. The 

 flowers are inconspicuous, and would almost 

 escape notice were it not for the yellow anthers. 

 The wood is very fine-grained and extremely 

 hard. All the species here mentioned are 

 found in the Northern Hemisphere, and be- 

 long to the Old World. Other species are known, 



209 



