Buxus macowanii
Specifications
Family
Buxaceae
Species
Buxus macowanii Oliv.
african box
cape box
small-leaved box
Description
This wood, very similar to that of European boxwood, is yellowish in colour and very heavy (volume weight equal to 1), with a very fine texture and a grain that depends on the shape of the trunks.
Plant morphology
A small, slow-growing tree that can reach 9 m in height. The trunk is slender and can reach 30 cm in diameter. The bark is smooth and gray-brown. The leaves are opposite, up to 2.5 cm long, oval-lanceolate, dark green, with barely visible veins.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Eastern South Africa: Natal Province.
Habitat and ecology
This species grows predominantly at the transition between temperate and subtropical forests; in particular, it prefers well-drained soils, hillsides, and dry valleys; it can also grow in coastal areas.
Uses
Application areas
It is used for lathe work, small objects, and cabinet making.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
No specific threats have been reported for this species, although logging has certainly led to a decline in its populations in the past (at a rate that, however, remains unknown at this time).
Conservation measures
In South Africa, responsible forestry management is currently promoted, and the species is present in numerous protected areas throughout the country. Specimens of this species are also preserved in several ex situ collections (BGCI 2017).
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2018
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2018
Not present.
Miscellaneous
It has a higher specific weight than water, so when immersed, it sinks.