VU

Buxus arborea

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Buxus arborea faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its Caribbean range, particularly in Cuba and Jamaica where coastal and montane forests are being cleared for agriculture and development. The species is also threatened by over-collection for ornamental use and traditional medicine, as boxwood species are highly valued for their dense, fine-grained wood. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the fragmented forest patches where remaining populations persist.

Threat summary

Habitat

Buxus arborea inhabits tropical dry forests, coastal woodlands, and lower montane forests across the Caribbean islands, particularly in Cuba and Jamaica. The species typically grows in limestone-derived soils and can tolerate both coastal conditions and inland forest environments up to moderate elevations.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Other threatened species in BUXACEAE

VU

Sarcococca conzattii

Declining
EN

Styloceras connatum

Unknown
Buxus acuminataCR

Buxus acuminata

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CR

Buxus pachyphylla

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Buxus arborea classified as Vulnerable?
Buxus arborea is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Buxus arborea faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its Caribbean range, particularly in Cuba and Jamaica where coastal and montane forests are being cleared for agriculture and development. The species is also threatened by over-collection for ornamental use and traditional medicine, as boxwood species are highly valued for their dense, fine-grained wood. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the fragmented forest patches where remaining populations persist.
Where does Buxus arborea live?
Buxus arborea occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Buxus arborea?
The main threats to Buxus arborea are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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