Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Buxus vahlii

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Kingdom
  
Plantae

Family
  
Buxaceae

Scientific name
  
Buxus vahlii

Rank
  
Species

Order
  
Buxales

Genus
  
Buxus

Higher classification
  
Box

Buxus vahlii Buxus vahlii Wikipedia

Similar
  
Box, Buxaceae, Buxus macowanii

Buxus vahlii (Vahl's boxwood) is a rare species of plant in the boxwood family. It is native to Puerto Rico and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where it is known from no more than four populations total. It has probably never been very common, but its distribution has been reduced by deforestation and other human disturbance of its habitat. At the time it was listed as an endangered species of the United States in 1985, it was thought to be endemic to Puerto Rico. Reports that it existed in Jamaica have not been confirmed. A few individuals have been located in St. Croix, some of which are within Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.

Buxus vahlii Buxus vahlii Buxaceae image 21610 at PlantSystematicsorg

This is a shrub or small tree which can reach 5 meters in height. The stem has two grooves below each node, an identifying characteristic. Clusters of flowers yield fruits which are horned capsules containing black seeds.

Buxus vahlii httpsplantsusdagovgallerystandardbuva001

The two populations remaining in Puerto Rico total 40 to 85 individuals, none of which have been observed to successfully reproduce. One population is located in Rincón near the beach at Punta Higuero. The plants there are short in stature and chlorotic, possibly from exposure to sun, sea spray, and high winds. The plants are located in a canyon next to a popular surfing and camping beach which has experienced accidental fires. The other population is in a forest near Hato Tejas in Bayamón.

Buxus vahlii Plants Profile for Buxus vahlii Vahl39s box

The plant grows on limestone substrates. Quarrying of limestone threatens this type of habitat on Puerto Rico, and the smaller population is located next to a quarry.

Buxus vahlii Buxus vahlii Boxwood
Buxus vahlii Buxus vahlii Boxwood

References

Buxus vahlii Wikipedia