Buxus sempervirens
Specifications
Family
Buxaceae
Species
Buxus sempervirens L.
boxwood
european box
Description
Yellowish in colour, very heavy (volumetric weight equal to 1), it has a very fine texture and grain depending on the shape of the stems.
Plant morphology
A shrub, up to 4-6 m tall, with a spreading, tufted growth habit. The leaves are small, smooth, and shiny. When touched, the plant releases a distinctive scent. The growth rings are always very narrow.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Mediterranean Basin: Southern Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia.
Habitat and ecology
Species capable of colonizing steep slopes and rocky areas; it prefers dry substrates, in sunny positions.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
Used for lathe work, small objects, wind instruments, cabinet making.
Use in musical instruments
In violin making, it is occasionally used for pegs, fingerboards, and decorative details on both bowed and plucked instruments; given its compactness, it is widely used in the production of wind instruments.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
In recent years, a fungal infection caused by Cylindrocladium buxicola has spread throughout Europe, causing severe leaf dieback in boxwood. Due to the trade in timber and ornamental specimens, this pathogen has also spread to wild populations. Historically, this species has also been threatened by harvesting for ornamental purposes and timber production. In Italy, the species has also historically been threatened by deforestation due to the expansion of pastures and increasing aridity.
Conservation measures
At the European level, the species enjoys good protection, as it occurs in more than 30 Natura 2000 sites. Management of the pathogen Cylindrocladium buxicola and protection for monumental specimens are generally recommended.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2017
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2017
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Not obvious
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
1000
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
Very Strong
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
Very Strong
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
160
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Durable
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
Dry wood has a higher specific weight than water and, therefore, sinks.