Maytenus boaria Mayten Tree, Mayten PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Maytenus boaria is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

M. chilensis.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil
Edible Uses: Oil

An edible oil is obtained from the seed. Used for cooking[183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Oil

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position[182] and also in semi-shade[188]. The soil should be well-drained but must not be allowed to dry out[200]. Requires a position sheltered from strong cold winds[188]. Tolerates temperatures down to about to about -10°c[200]. This species has a very wide natural range, so far all the introductions have come from Chile but provenances in Argentina might provide even hardier trees that could succeed in colder areas of the country[11]. Plants succeed outdoors in S. England and have produced self-sown seedlings at Lanarth in Cornwall[11]. Large mature trees are growing in woodland conditions at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire[K]. The flowers are usually either male or female, though both sexes are found on the same plant[219]. Occasional hermaphrodite flowers are produced[219]. Cattle are very strongly attracted to the leaves of this plant and will not touch other forage when this species is available[11]. A slow growing tree[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200]. Division of suckers in the autumn or spring[188].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Maytenus obtusifolia	Blunt folia Maytenus	Tree	25.0	10-12	M	LMH	N	DM	2	4	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Molina.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Maytenus boaria - Molina.