Family: Celastraceae
Author: (Pursh) Raf.
Bibliography: Sylva Tellur.: 42 (1838)
Year: 1838
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Paxistima
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to N. Mexico
Description
Mountain-lover, scientifically known as Paxistima myrsinites, is a remarkable evergreen shrub that holds a unique place within the Celastraceae family. First described in the literature by (Pursh) Raf., this plant was documented in Sylva Tellur., on page 42, in the year 1838.
This resilient species is known for its hardy nature, flourishing across a wide geographic range from Western Canada down to Northern Mexico. The Mountain-lover thrives in diverse environments, showcasing its adaptability and tenacity. Its native habitat includes mountainous regions, where it often graces the underbrush with its presence.
Characterized by its small, glossy, dark green leaves, Paxistima myrsinites maintains its foliage year-round, offering a splash of persistent greenery even in the harshest of winters. The leaves are oblong, leathery, and finely serrated, presenting a charming and delicate appearance despite their robust structure.
During the blooming season, which typically spans late spring to early summer, the Mountain-lover produces inconspicuous flowers. While these flowers might lack in showiness, they contribute to the plant’s overall subtle beauty and ecological value. Post-pollination, the plant forms small, woody capsules that house its seeds, playing a role in the plant’s propagation and the perpetuation of its lineage.
Mountain-lover is not just appreciated for its aesthetics but also for its ecological role. It provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, supporting an intricate web of life within its native ecosystems. This plant exemplifies the quiet strength and understated beauty of nature, standing as a testament to the resilience found in mountainous flora.
As we continue to study and appreciate Paxistima myrsinites, it serves as a reminder of the diverse and rich plant life that spans our continent, deserving of our attention and conservation efforts.
Common Names
Eng: oregon boxleaf, oregon-boxwood, boxleaf, boxleaf myrtle, goatbrush, mountain lover, mountain-lover, myrtle boxleaf, falsebox, oregon boxwood, mountain boxwood, mountain-box, myrtle boxwood
Fra: pachistima myrte, pachistime
En: Mountain-lover, Goatbrush, Oregon-boxwood, Myrtle boxleaf, Oregon boxleaf, Boxleaf, Boxleaf myrtle, Mountain lover, Falsebox, Oregon boxwood, Mountain boxwood, Mountain-box, Myrtle boxwood
Fr: Pachistima myrte, Pachistime
Synonyms
- Paxistima myrtifolia (L.C.Wheeler)
- Myginda myrtifolia (Nutt.)
- Ilex myrsinites (Pursh)
- Pachystima myrsinites ((Pursh) Anon.)
- Oreophila myrtifolia (Nutt.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Montana (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 22, 2015 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 19, 2015 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 9, 2020 by randa keys (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2021 by 🍃Karina 🍃 (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Mar 19, 2015 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Valerie Mason (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Kyler Bowers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2020 by James Stevens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 9, 2020 by gaez cristian (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 19, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 8, 2016 by EOL − chlorophilia (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 16, 2015 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2013 by EOL − jimbelli (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 6, 2013 by EOL − jimbelli (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 6, 2012 by EOL − Joshua Tewksbury (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 9, 2020 by gaez cristian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3169107)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1053872-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Paxistima myrsinites (Pursh) Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub