Mayten tree
Maytenus boaria
Family: Celastraceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 10 m high and spreads 4 m wide. The stem is erect and slender. The branches hang down. The crown is spreading. The leaves are narrowly oval and taper towards the tip. They are shiny green and have teeth along the edge. The flowers are small. The fruit are tiny orange berries.
There are about 200 Maytenus species. They grow in the tropics and subtropics. It has anticancer properties.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It does best in rich, moist, well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is tender to frost and drought. In Chile it grows from 30-50° S. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 4,000m above sea level. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile (country/location of origin), Europe, New Zealand, North America, South America, Spain, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds produce a cooking oil. The leaves are eaten cooked.
Edible parts
Seeds - oil, leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Boaria, Maiten