Kingdom Plantae Family Buxaceae Higher classification Buxaceae | Order Buxales Scientific name Pachysandra Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications Pachysandra terminalis, Pachysandra procumbens | ||
Pachysandra plant
Pachysandra /ˌpækiˈsændrə/ is a genus of five species of evergreen perennials or subshrubs, belonging to the boxwood family Buxaceae. The species are native to eastern Asia and southeast North America, some reaching a height of 20–45 cm (7.9–17.7 in), with only weakly woody stems. The leaves are alternate, leathery, with an entire to coarsely toothed margin, and are typically 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) long. The small uni-sexual blooms are greenish-white and produced in late spring or early summer.
Contents
The name is derived from the Greek words pachys ("thick") and andros ("male") which is a reference to the thick stamens (the male portion of the flower).
Species
Cultivation and uses
Pachysandra can grow in deep-shade areas and is thus well-suited and popular as ground cover for shade gardens. The most commonly used species is P. terminalis, the Japanese spurge, which is an aggressively spreading evergreen ground cover. It is very deer-resistant. The form 'Variegata' has leaves attractively variegated green and creamy white, and is slightly less invasive. 'Green Sheen' Pachysandra has extra glossy leaves and slowly spreads. All species in this genus prefer a well-drained soil with a high humus content.
