Mayten Tree, Mayten
Maytenus boaria

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Pasturelands, avoiding the competition for light from other trees.

S. America - Argentina and Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

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

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils in a sunny position and also in semi-shade. The soil should be well-drained but must not be allowed to dry out. Requires a position sheltered from strong cold winds. Tolerates temperatures down to about to about -10°c. 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. Plants succeed outdoors in S. England and have produced self-sown seedlings at Lanarth in Cornwall. Large mature trees are growing in woodland conditions at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire. The flowers are usually either male or female, though both sexes are found on the same plant. Occasional hermaphrodite flowers are produced. Cattle are very strongly attracted to the leaves of this plant and will not touch other forage when this species is available. A slow growing tree.

Propagating it: 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. Division of suckers in the autumn or spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Sunny Edge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. chilensis.