Sarcococca

Sarcococca (sweet box or Christmas box) is a genus of flowering plants in the box family (Buxaceae). native to eastern and southeastern Asia, and the Himalayas, with one species native to Central America. They are slow-growing, monoecious, evergreen shrubs 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall. The leaves are borne alternately, 3–12 cm long and 1–4 cm broad.

As of January 2025, the genus Sarcococca contains 15 accepted species. The genus is predominantly native to Asia, with more than half of Sarcococca species native to China, however one species (Sarcococca conzattii) is native to southern Mexico (Oaxaca) and Guatemala.

The plants bear fragrant white flowers, often in winter. The fruit is a red or black drupe containing 1–3 seeds. Some species are cultivated as groundcover or low hedging in moist, shady areas. The basic chromosome number for genus is 14 (2n = 28).

The genus name Sarcococca comes from the Greek σάρξ (sárx) and κόκκος (kókkos) for "fleshy berry", referring to the black fruit.

• Sarcococca confusa Sealy – Sweet box
• Sarcococca conzattii (Standl.) I.M.Johnst.
• Sarcococca hookeriana Baill.
• Sarcococca humilis Stapf
• Sarcococca longifolia M. Cheng
• Sarcococca longipetiolata M. Cheng
• Sarcococca orientalis C. Y. Wu
• Sarcococca pruniformis (Saracodine courier)
• Sarcococca ruscifolia Stapf
• Sarcococca saligna (D. Don) Mull.-Arg.
• Sarcococca vagans Stapf
• Sarcococca wallichii Stapf
• Sarcococca zeylanica Baill.

• Flora of Pakistan: Sarcococca
• Flora of China: Sarcococca species list