St Helena boxwood

Endemic to St Helena, the St Helena Boxwood, Mellissia begonifolia was formerly abundant in the dry south and eastern parts of the Island (Long Range, Stone Tops and Boxwood Hill). Melliss (1875) stated that it was extremely rare, and it was presumed extinct towards the end of the 19th Century. However, in November 1998 a single specimen was found by Stedson Stroud growing between scree boulders on the southern, sea-facing slope of Lot’s Wife about 100 m. above sea level. More