Pachysandra axillaris

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Pachysandra axillaris
Closeup— inflorescence and foliage.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Buxales
Family: Buxaceae
Genus: Pachysandra
Species:
P. axillaris
Binomial name
Pachysandra axillaris
Franchet, Pl. Delavay

Pachysandra axillaris is a species of plant in the family Buxaceae.[1][2] In its native China, it is known as 板凳果 (Bǎndèng guǒ).[1]

Description

  • Height: Reaches 30-50 cm at maturity.[1]
  • Leaves: Leaves range in shape from ovate to oblong, are finely hairy (tomentose) along the midrib and lateral veins, and measure 5-16 cm in length by 3-10 cm in width.[1]
  • Flowers: Flower colour ranges from white to red, and the inflorescences range from erect or pendulous.[1]
  • Fruit: Measuring about 1 mm in diameter, the spherical fruits range in colour from yellow to reddish purple when ripe.[1]

Range and distribution

Native to China,[1][2] including Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces. Also occurs in Taiwan.[1]

Varieties

Two varieties of these species are known to botanists: P. axillaris var. axillaris, and P. axillaris var. stylosa.[1]

Etymology

Pachysandra is derived from the Ancient Greek word παχύς (pachýs, 'thick') and the Neo-Latin -androus ('of or pertaining to stamens'), and means 'thick stamens'. It was named in reference to its stout filaments.[3][4]

Axillaris is Latin, literally meaning 'in the armpit' but more figuratively meaning 'arising from leaf axils' or 'axillary'.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Efloras.org. (2020). Pachysandra axillaris in Flora of China via efloras.org. [online] Available at: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200012659 [Accessed 16 Feb. 2020].
  2. ^ a b Rhs.org.uk. (2020). Pachysandra axillaris | RHS Gardening. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/181263/Pachysandra-axillaris/Details [Accessed 16 Feb. 2020].
  3. ^ a b Gledhill, David (2008). "The Names of Plants". Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521866453 (hardback), ISBN 9780521685535 (paperback). pp 63, 287
  4. ^ "pachysandra". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Retrieved 2021-11-22.