Additionally, some residents living on the eastern edge of the government property, about 3OO feet from the boxwood population, have goats which could damage the habitat if they are allowed to roam free. The Hato Tejas population is located at the edge of an old limestone quarry in a group of haystack hills surrounded by a large shopping center and several commercial and industrial lots. Vahl's boxwood habitat in this area is threatened by the possibility that development could be expanded into the hills, which could be razed and sold for limestone or fill material. Another threat is the possibility that should quarrying once again become profitable, the old limestone quarry could be reactivated and the plant's habitat destroyed. Taking has not been a documented factor in the species' decline, but could easily become so.
Boxwoods are attractive shrubs with several species being grown in cultivation around the world.
Vahl's boxwood also has ornamental potential. Overall vulnerability is increased by the fact that the populations are very small, accessible, and apparently are not reproducing. A loss of genetic variation is probable. The plants should be protected in their present habitat as long as possible. Other potential habitat sites within the presumed historic range should be investigated with the objective of establishing several additional populations to provide security for the species.