Mayten (Maytenus boaria, Sag. Stor. Nat. Chili: 177 (1782))

Family: Celastraceae

Author: Molina

Bibliography: Sag. Stor. Nat. Chili: 177 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Maytenus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Bolivia to SE. & S. Brazil and Chile

Description

Mayten, known scientifically as Maytenus boaria, is a perennial species belonging to the Celastraceae family. The plant is native to a range extending from Bolivia to Southeastern and Southern Brazil, as well as Chile. This geographical spread showcases its adaptability to a variety of climates and terrains within the South American continent.

First described by the naturalist Molina in his influential work, Sag. Stor. Nat. Chili, published in 1782, Mayten has long been of interest to botanists and naturalists. Its presence in diverse habitats from Bolivia’s highlands to the Brazilian and Chilean temperate regions highlights its ecological versatility.

Mayten is valued for its ornamental qualities and is often employed in landscaping and gardening. The plant exhibits a robust structure with an attractive evergreen foliage that remains vibrant throughout the year. Its leaves are small and delicate, offering a graceful appearance, and it can be pruned to create various shapes and sizes, making it a popular choice for hedges and decorative plantings.

Furthermore, Mayten plays a role in local ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. The tree’s adaptability and resilience make it a crucial component of the natural landscape in its native range, where it contributes to soil stability and biodiversity.

In summary, Maytenus boaria, or Mayten, is a significant species within the Celastraceae family, recognized for its ornamental and ecological value across multiple South American countries. Its historical documentation by Molina underscores its longstanding importance and continued relevance in both natural and cultivated settings.

Common Names

Spa: maiten
Eng: mayten
En: Mayten
Fi: Chilenkelasti
Es: Maitén, Maiten, Monte coca

Synonyms

• Maytenus chilensis var. angustifolia (DC.)
• Maytenus boaria var. angustifolia (Reissek ex Loes.)
• Maytenus boaria var. latifolia (Reissek ex Loes.)
• Maytenus marginata (Ettingsh.)
• Boaria molinae (A.DC.)
• Celastrus uncinatus (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Senacia maytenus (Lam.)
• Maytenus chilensis (DC.)
• Celastrus maytenus (Lam. ex Forsyth f.)
• Maytenus pendulina (Steud.)
• Maytenus crenulata (C.Presl)
• Maytenus uncinata ((Ruiz & Pav.) G.Don)
• Celastrus boaria ((Molina) Baill.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile North (native)
• Chile South (native)
• California (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Jan 20, 2022 by Stein Ingrid (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by anabalon diego (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Ken Ken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2022 by di Parodi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Tom (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 16, 2022 by di Parodi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Tom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by OxiSulphur Natrium Carbonis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2022 by moreno quintana connie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Guijarro Sol (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Oct 4, 2019 by Juan Mella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Alvarez Yoamy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2020 by sab vale (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Bernal Bustamante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2022 by Zoia Eugenia (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Fabienne Engel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2016 by EOL − Trevor Partridge (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 26, 2014 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 1, 2016 by EOL − Trevor Partridge (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 8, 2016 by EOL − quanwei (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Mar 18, 2005 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Chaitali Saqcena (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by piñita sama (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by GiGi goodman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Kees de Jager (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Sandra valeria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Sandra valeria (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3790726)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:161827-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Maytenus boaria Molina)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree

Growth