Japanese box

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• littleleaf boxwood
• Japanese Box
• Small-leaved Box

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Buxus japonica var. microphylla

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Buxales, it is classified under the family Buxaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Buxus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. Within the vast region of Eastern Asia, its presence is notably concentrated. Specifically, the distribution of Buxus microphylla is found in Japan. This indicates that the species thrives within the unique climatic conditions of the Japanese archipelago. Consequently, its natural habitat is restricted to this particular East Asian territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Buxus microphylla is characterized by its specific adaptation to montane environments, where it thrives within a distinct altitudinal niche. This species is primarily found in high-altitude habitats, occupying an elevational range that begins at 1500 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2600 m AMSL. Within this vertical distribution, the plant is integrated into specialized mountain ecosystems, where it must contend with the unique climatic variables associated with these elevations, such as fluctuating temperatures, increased ultraviolet exposure, and varying levels of moisture availability. Its presence within this specific range indicates a preference for the cool, temperate conditions typical of mid-to-high elevation montane forests or scrublands.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Buxus microphylla is characterized by a woody growth form, manifesting primarily as a shrub or a small tree. It is a terrestrial species, existing as an independent organism that does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting rather than acting as an obligatory or facultative climber, such as a liana or vine. It lacks aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations, maintaining a stable terrestrial presence.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Buxus microphylla involves the production of specialized seeds that exhibit highly consistent physical characteristics. Based on empirical data, the seed mass of this species is remarkably uniform, with a recorded mean seed mass of 0.0094 g. This consistency is reflected in the absolute range of the seed weight, as both the maximum and minimum recorded seed masses are identical at 0.0094 g. Such precision in seed mass indicates a highly stabilized reproductive output, ensuring that each seed produced by the plant maintains a standardized weight of 0.0094 g.

Seed mass mean:

0.0094 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Buxus microphylla has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Buxus microphylla has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BETA-SITOSTEROL, Betulin, CYCLOVIROBUXINUM D, Cyclovirobuxine D, Daucosterol.

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Betulin

1. Dr. Duke

CYCLOVIROBUXINUM D

1. Acta pharmacologica Sinica

Cyclovirobuxine D

1. Bioorganic chemistry

Daucosterol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Lupeol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

STIGMASTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

betulinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

dibutyl phthalate

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Activities

Buxus microphylla has 24 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Analgesic, Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial.

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke
2. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Analgesic

1. Bioorganic chemistry

Anthelmintic

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Anticarcinomic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Antiflu

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Buxus microphylla has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations