Alyxia buxifolia
Sea Box
Overview
Alyxia buxifolia is a rounded, dense evergreen shrub reaching 3-6.5 feet (0.9-2 m) tall and wide, with stiff branches and milky sap. The leaves are leathery, oval, 0.4-1.2 inches (10-30 mm) long, glossy dark green above and arranged in whorls of three, with margins rolled under. Small white to cream tubular flowers about 0.3 inches (6-8 mm) across open along the branches over much of the year, with a scent strongest in warm weather. Rounded fleshy fruits 0.3-0.6 inches (8-15 mm) long follow, ripening orange to red, sometimes in chains of two or three. The shrub withstands salt spray, wind, and sandy soils, holding a compact form in exposed coastal sites. Growth is slow. The milky sap can irritate skin and stains clothing, and the plant becomes open and woody if shaded.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, on coasts from Western Australia through South Australia and Victoria to New South Wales and Tasmania. Grows on coastal dunes, clifftops, and rocky shores on sandy and limestone-based soils exposed to salt wind.Suggested Uses
Planted as a low hedge, foundation shrub, or windbreak in coastal and seaside gardens, spaced 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) apart. It withstands salt wind where many shrubs fail and binds sandy soils on exposed sites. It grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) in a free-draining mix.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'6"
Width/Spread3' - 6'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in well-drained sandy or limestone soils and withstands salt spray, wind, and coastal exposure. Water through the first year to establish, after which it tolerates extended dry periods and needs little care. It holds a dense, compact shape in sun but grows open and sparse in shade. Frost tolerance is moderate, suiting mild and coastal districts. Few pests trouble it. The milky sap can irritate skin on contact and stains clothing when stems are cut.Pruning
Light pruning or clipping keeps the shrub dense and can shape it as a low hedge in coastal gardens. It tolerates regular trimming and reshoots from cut wood. Cut stems release milky sap, which can mark hands and clothing.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons