Box, also called boxwood, is the name of dozens of species (kinds) of slow-growing evergreen shrubs or small trees. Boxwoods are native to Asia, Europe, Central America, northern Africa, and the West Indies. People often use these shrubs for hedges. The common boxwood is cultivated along the Atlantic Coast. The Japanese boxwood is grown in warm regions of the United States, especially the South.
The box tree may grow as high as 25 feet (7.6 meters). It has small, glossy leaves and clusters of small flowers. The wood is close-grained, hard, and heavy. Wood engravings are often cut from boxwood blocks. The wood is also used in making mathematical instruments. Since Roman times, it has been used to make wind instruments.
