Southeast Asia
"Sweetbox are deer and rabbit resistant plants and rarely bothered by insect pests or disease." [3]
"This species is found from Afghanistan to India and southwestern China with the variety only found in the mountainous region of southwestern China where E.H. Wilson collected it in 1907... The species epithet commemorates Joseph Hooker (1817-1911) who collected plants in the Himalayas and was later director of Kew Gardens in London." [1]
"Plants of the genus Sarcococca have been extensively used in the indigenous system of medicine since ancient time for the treatment of various ailments especially malaria, rheumatism, skin infection. The plants are reported to be used as an antipyretic, hypotensive and found to have antiulcer, antitumor, ganglionblocking, activities." [2]
"The compact, stoloniferous form of variety humilis makes it ideally suited for use as a groundcover or an informal hedge in the shade garden. Fragrant Valley™, a more compact spreading form, and Fragrant Mountain™, a more erect but still dwarf form growing about 30 inches tall, are new patented hybrid releases from Sidhu and Sons Nursery in Canada." [1]
[1] Klingaman, G. (2014, January 31). Plant of the Week. Retrieved from https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/sweetbox_1-31-14.aspx#:~:text=About 14 species of Sarcococca,Wilson collected it in 1907.
[2] Rai, N. P., Lama, B., Subedi, S. P., Taylor, W. C., & Manandhar, M. D. (2006). Phytochemical studies on the aerial parts of Sarcococca hookeriana (Baillon) of Nepalese origin. Journal of Nepal Chemical Society, 21, 8-15.
[3] Williamson, J. (2019, January 24). FOUR FRAGRANT, WINTER-BLOOMING WOODLAND SHRUBS. Retrieved from https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/four-fragrant-winter-blooming-woodland-shrubs/
