Sarcococca confusa, the sweet box, is a species of flowering plant in the family Buxaceae, probably native to western China.[1] It is an evergreen shrub growing to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 1 m (3 ft) broad, with glossy green ovate leaves and honey-scented[2] white flowers in winter, followed by glossy black spherical fruits, 5 mm in diameter.[3]
| Sarcococca confusa | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Buxales |
| Family: | Buxaceae |
| Genus: | Sarcococca |
| Species: | S. confusa
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| Binomial name | |
| Sarcococca confusa | |
It 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 soil should be kept damp if grown in sun or part shade. The shrub is midwinter flowering with a sweet scent. The small black berries are eaten by birds which disperse the seeds.[4]
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[5][6]
Description edit
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 soil should be kept damp if grown in sun or part shade. The shrub is midwinter flowering with a sweet scent. The small black berries are eaten by birds which disperse the seeds.[7] It is an evergreen shrub growing to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 1 m (3 ft) broad, with glossy green ovate leaves and honey-scented [8] white flowers in winter, followed by glossy black spherical fruits, 5 mm in diameter.[9]
References edit
- ^ "Sarcocca confusa". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
- ^ "Cambridge University Botanic Garden - Sarcocca confusa". Retrieved 2 June 2013.
- ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
- ^ Keen, Mary (January 5, 2002). "How to grow: Sarcococcas" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
- ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Sarcococca confusa". Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 95. Retrieved 30 October 2018.
- ^ "How to grow: Sarcococcas". www.telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ "Garden map". Cambridge Botanic Garden. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.