Bosso

Bosso is a term that can refer to more than one thing, depending on language and context. In Italian, bosso is the common name for boxwood, the evergreen shrub Buxus sempervirens, widely used in ornamental horticulture. The word derives from Latin buxus.

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a slow-growing evergreen that typically forms dense shrubs or small trees. It has small, oval, glossy leaves arranged oppositely on stems and a compact, rounded to formal growth habit. The wood is fine-grained and pale yellowish-brown, historically valued for carving, inlay, and precision topiary.

In horticulture, boxwood is prized for its ability to be clipped into precise shapes, forming hedges, borders, parterres, and other formal features in gardens and parks. It tolerates sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It can be susceptible to waterlogging, boxwood blight, and pests such as scale insects and mites; regular inspection and proper spacing help mitigate problems. Pruning is typically done to maintain shape and size, with heavier pruning best avoided in extreme heat or cold.

Outside botany, bosso is also used as a place name and surname in various cultures, particularly in regions where Italian or related languages have influenced local toponymy or family names. Specific meanings and references vary by country and context.

See also: boxwood; boccone and related terms in horticulture.