Maytenus boaria, also known as Mayten, is a graceful evergreen tree with 1 1/4 inch leathery leaves and pendulous branches. Its greenish flowers in the leaf axils and yellow bivalve capsule fruit make it a wonderful specimen and street tree in Florida and Southern California. The tree is native to South America and has a straight trunk up to 66 feet tall and 31 inches in diameter. Its leaves are small and alternate, and its male flowers are brownish-yellow while female flowers are green with purple lines. The seed of the Mayten tree can be used to make an edible oil for cooking and can also be used to elaborate varnish. The tree's hard wood is used in tool handles and for reforestation and ornamental use in Chile. European bees produce a delicious honey from the flowers. Mayten is drought-resistant and slow-growing, and has been planted in the North Pacific Coast of the United States as far up as Seattle. Its tender leaves make great cattle feed, hence its name "boaria" which means bovine. This tree is easy to plant by seed, and has fully naturalized in New Zealand. Get your hands on Mayten seeds or saplings today to enjoy this stunning, versatile tree at home.
