Pachysandra is a small genus of five species of evergreen perennials and subshrubs in the boxwood family Buxaceae (order Buxales). The genus spans two disjunct regions: eastern Asia (China, Japan, India, Nepal, Myanmar) and the southeastern United States, a pattern shared with several other Buxaceae relatives. Plants are low-growing, typically reaching 20–45 cm in height, with only weakly woody stems. The leaves are alternate, leathery, and coarsely toothed along the margins, usually 5–10 cm long. Flowers are small, unisexual, and greenish-white, appearing in late spring or early summer.
The genus is best known in horticulture for Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese spurge), native to China and Japan, which is widely planted as an evergreen ground cover in shaded gardens. It spreads aggressively and is valued for its tolerance of deep shade and its deer resistance. Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny pachysandra) is the sole North American species and is native to the forests of the southeastern United States. Pachysandra axillaris is native to China. All species prefer well-drained soil with a high humus content.
Etymology
The name Pachysandra is derived from the Ancient Greek pachýs (παχύς), meaning 'thick', combined with the Neo-Latin suffix -androus, meaning 'of or pertaining to stamens'. The name refers to the genus's characteristically thick stamens.
Distribution
The five species of Pachysandra are native to two widely separated regions: eastern Asia, including China, Japan, India, Nepal, and Myanmar, and the southeastern United States. Pachysandra procumbens is the sole North American representative, while the remaining species are confined to Asia.
Cultivation
Pachysandra species are valued in horticulture primarily as ground covers for shaded areas, including sites with deep shade where many other plants fail. All species in the genus are deer-resistant and prefer well-drained soil with a high humus content. Pachysandra terminalis is the most widely cultivated species and spreads aggressively; popular cultivars include 'Variegata' (green and creamy-white variegated leaves, slower spreading), 'Green Sheen' (extra glossy dark green leaves), and 'Green Carpet' (compact habit, deeply toothed leaves with prominent veining).
