Common Box (Buxus sempervirens), fam. Buxaceae.
   An evergreen slow-growing bush, originates from the Mediterranean. It rarely occurs in the city. There are some places in Kyiv, where quite sturdy box bushes grow, which bloom in April. However, there are obviously no such places in DVRZ - due to slow growth, common box remains in vegetative non-flowering phase, especially if it is regularly pruned. This feature is appreciated by bonsai culture lovers - there is no need to hold its growth all the time, since box can keep stable shape for years. In addition, its small leaves remind the leaves of a large tree on a small scale.
   The box plants have pleasant "noble" smell, which becomes pungent in large concentrations only. The plant is toxic.
   The box wood is very hard and valuable. It seems to be a general feature of slow-growing trees and shrubs - and the opposite, those which grow fast (poplar, willow, boxelder maple) usually have brittle and watery wood.

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