Alyxia buxifolia, commonly known as Sea Box or Dysentery Bush, is an evergreen shrub native to coastal regions of southern Australia, including Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales. It thrives in coastal scrub, heathland ecosystems, and sandy soils, often enduring harsh conditions such as wind, salt spray, and mild frost. This hardy plant typically reaches up to 10 feet in both height and width, featuring dense, compact growth with small, fleshy, box-like leaves. The Sea Box blooms in spring and summer, producing fragrant, star-shaped flowers that are white to cream with distinctive orange bases at the center, followed by red berries that are sometimes used in floral arrangements.

The Sea Box is valued for its resilience to coastal conditions, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens. It is commonly used for hedging and screening due to its dense foliage and can also serve as a windbreak. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained sandy soils, tolerates a range of pH levels, and requires minimal water once established. While it can withstand partial shade, it flourishes in full sun. Alyxia buxifolia has a history of medicinal use by First Nations people, particularly for treating dysentery. Gardeners should note that while it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0