The small, pearl-like leaves of the pearl boxwood (Buxus sinica var. parvifolia) make it an excellent tree species for bonsai.

Pearl boxwood is an evergreen small shrub of the genus Buxus in the family Buxaceae. It gets its name because its leaves are small, round and plump, glossy and green, shaped like little pearls, and it is also commonly known among the people as "thousand-year dwarf." It mainly grows in the higher-altitude mountain areas of southern China, often appearing in patches along mountain ridges and in rock crevices. It is cold-tolerant and poor-soil-tolerant, with quite tenacious vitality.

The most striking characteristic of this plant is its extremely slow growth; it puts out only very short new shoots in a year, yet its branches and trunk thereby become increasingly gnarled and antique-looking. The leaves are opposite, leathery and glossy, the crown is naturally compact, and the bark turns grayish-white as it ages, giving it a rather weathered, timeworn feel. In spring and summer it produces tiny yellow-green flowers, but the main ornamental focus is still on the plant's form and leaf color.

In the field of horticulture, pearl boxwood is regarded as excellent material for making bonsai. Its branches are fine and its leaves dense, and it tolerates pruning well. After years of cultivation it can develop a naturally aged tree appearance, suitable for many styles such as forest style and cascade style. Because wild resources are becoming increasingly scarce, the seedlings currently on the market are mostly artificially propagated.

For care, pearl boxwood prefers a cool, moist, semi-shaded environment, and fears high temperatures, scorching sun and muggy, waterlogged conditions. In summer it should be shaded appropriately and kept well ventilated; water according to the principle of watering when dry and letting it dry out between waterings, as long-term overly wet potting soil easily causes root rot. During the growing season, apply light fertilizer frequently, routinely pinch back the tips to control shape, and repotting is best done in spring and autumn.