Pachysandra

Pachysandra ( /ˌpækiˈsændrə/)^[1] is a genus of four or five species of evergreen groundcovers or subshrubs, belonging to the Boxwood Family, Buxaceae. The species are native to eastern Asia and southeast North America, some reaching a height of 20-45 cm, with only weakly woody stems. The leaves are alternate, leathery, with an entire to coarsely toothed margin, and range from 5-10 cm long.

Species

• Pachysandra axillaris - China
• Pachysandra procumbens - Allegheny Pachysandra (southeast United States)
• Pachysandra coriacea (sometimes classified as Sarcococca coriacea) - India, Nepal, Myanmar
• Pachysandra stylosa - China (sometimes treated as a variety of P. axillaris^[2])
• Pachysandra terminalis - China, Japan

Source: ^[3][4]

Cultivation and uses

Pachysandra can grow in deep-shade areas and is thus well-suited and popular as a ground cover for shade gardens. The most commonly used species is P. terminalis, the Japanese Spurge, which is an aggressively spreading evergreen ground cover. The form 'Variegata' has leaves attractively variegated green and creamy white, and is slightly less invasive. All species in this genus prefer a well-drained soil with a high humus content.

References