Buxus wallichiana Baill

Description :

An evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 10 m tall. Leaves are simple, 2 to 5 cm long. It is monoecious. Flowering shoots are 6 to 8 cm long, appearing between March and May. The fruits are 7 to 10 cm long and mature between June and August. It has no known insect or disease problems of significant importance. It can be reproduced both from seed and by vegetative means. Natural regeneration occurs in moist, shady microsites. Viability of seed is usually very low. Diameter growth increments of 0.30 cms per annum over a 70-year period have been recorded. Because of the demand for packing cases, it has been harvested to the point where it could be considered "endangered". Programs to protect and re-establish this tree need to be initiated. Grains are Smooth, even textured. Wood is hard, strong, and very durable.

Distribution :

The tree is native to Pakistan and India. In Pakistan it in the sub-Himalayan tract from Azad Kashmir westward to Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Hazara, Chitral, Swat, and the Gadoon area. A tolerant tree that does well in shade. It grows on a variety of soils but prefers rich sandy loams. It requires a precipitation zone of 600 to 1200 mm/yr or more. It prefers a cool subtropical to a humid-sub-humid monsoon climate with a temperature range of 6 to 15.6°C in an elevation range of 1200 to 2000 m. It is frost hardy.

Uses :

Fuel, fine wood articles like combs, carving, and packing cases.