Buxus microphylla
Japanese box
Buxus microphylla, commonly known as the Small-leaf Boxwood, is a resilient evergreen shrub prized in traditional herbal medicine. Native to various East Asian regions, this plant is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating respiratory ailments and skin conditions, while also serving as a decorative botanical specimen.
- Scientific name: Buxus microphylla
- Family: Buxaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
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.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Buxales | WCVP |
| Family | Buxaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Buxus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Buxus microphylla, is known by various common names depending on the language and region. In Japanese, it is referred to as ツゲ (tsuge), while in Russian, it is called Самшит мелколистный. In Sorbian, it goes by the name Małołopjenaty buksowc, and in Danish, it is known as Småbladet Buksbom. Additionally, in German, it is commonly called Kleinblättriger Buchsbaum.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | ツゲ | Wikidata |
| ru | Самшит мелколистный | Wikidata |
| hsb | Małołopjenaty buksowc | Wikidata |
| da | Småbladet Buksbom | Wikidata |
| de | Kleinblättriger Buchsbaum | Wikidata |
| zh | 黃楊 | Wikidata |
| bg | дребнолистен чемшир | Wikidata |
| ar | شمشاد صغير الأوراق | Wikidata |
| pl | Bukszpan drobnolistny | Wikidata |
| fa | شمشاد ریزبرگ | Wikidata |
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.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Buxus microphylla, utilizes its distinct morphological structures for both growth and medicinal application. The small, woody twigs serve as the structural framework of the shrub, providing the necessary support for its dense branching pattern. Attached to these stems are the evergreen leaves, which are characterized by their small, leathery texture and are often the primary parts studied for their specific chemical properties and therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| twigs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Buxus microphylla has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cyclovirobuxine-D, Cyclovirobuxinum D, beta-sitosterol, cyclovirobuxine-D, daucosterol.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclovirobuxine-D | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cyclovirobuxinum D | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beta-sitosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cyclovirobuxine-D | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| daucosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dibutyl phthalate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stigmasterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Buxus microphylla has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Buxus microphylla has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coronary heart disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |