Sarcococca

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Sarcococca (sweet box or Christmas box)[1][2] is a genus of flowering plants in the box family (Buxaceae). native to eastern and southeastern Asia, and the Himalayas, with one species native to Central America. They are slow-growing, monoecious, evergreen shrubs Script error: No such module "convert". tall. The leaves are borne alternately, 3–12 cm long and 1–4 cm broad.

As of January 2025, the genus Sarcococca contains 15 accepted species.[3][4] The genus is predominantly native to Asia, with more than half of Sarcococca species native to China,[5] however one species (Sarcococca conzattii) is native to southern Mexico (Oaxaca) and Guatemala.[6][7]

The plants bear fragrant white flowers, often in winter. The fruit is a red or black drupe containing 1–3 seeds. Some species are cultivated as groundcover or low hedging in moist, shady areas.[8] The basic chromosome number for genus is 14 (2n = 28).[9]

The genus name Sarcococca comes from the Greek σάρξ (sárx) and κόκκος (kókkos) for "fleshy berry", referring to the black fruit.[10]

Selected species

References

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  1. The Plant List: http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=sarcococca
  2. Hilliers Manual of Trees and Shrubs, Redwood Burn, 1998
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