Maytenus boaria aka Mayten

Maytenus boaria, or mayten, is an evergreen tree in the Celastraceae family. It comes from South America and grows in temperate climates. Kew gives its range from Bolivia to southern and southeastern Brazil and Chile. Other sources also list Argentina and Peru. It grows in open pasture, away from shade cast by other trees. People grow it for its form and evergreen leaves.

The tree grows slowly and forms a dense, oval crown. Its thin branches hang down, giving it a weeping shape. The RHS lists a garden height and spread of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. In Britain, it may reach 10–33 feet [3–10 metres]. Oregon State gives a larger height of 30–50 feet [9–15 metres]. Wild trees can reach 79 feet [24 metres]. The narrow leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. They have fine teeth and short stalks. Each leaf is green and glossy above, with a paler underside.

Small, scented flowers appear in spring where leaves meet stems. They are white with a green tint and draw little attention. Most flowers have either male or female parts. Both kinds grow on the same tree. Some flowers have both sets of parts. Oregon State describes the fruit as a yellow capsule. It splits into two sections and holds one or two seeds. A red covering surrounds the seeds. The RHS instead describes small red, fleshy fruits.

Mayten needs moist soil that drains well and shelter from cold winds. It grows in sun or part shade. The RHS advises sun with shade during the middle of the day. It accepts clay, loam, sand and chalk, across acid to alkaline soils. The RHS rates it H5, while other sources report tolerance near 14°F [-10°C]. Cold weather may cause leaf loss, but the tree can recover quickly. Its shape suits coastal gardens, wall borders and gardens in Mediterranean climates. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems.

Seeds yield an edible oil used in cooking. This does not establish that whole seeds or fruits are edible. Useful Tropical Plants reports medicinal use of the leaves. PFAF and Useful Tropical Plants list no known hazards. Oregon State reports that it has naturalized in New Zealand and is considered a weed there. PFAF gives no weed warning, so its weed risk depends on place.