The mature specimens of Maytenus boaria seen in the garden are laden with flower buds. As these open the four yellow anthers are prominently displayed proud of the sepals. Should the sun make an appearance the nectar glands at the base of the flower will provide plentiful food for bees.

These minute globular flower buds cluster the leaf axils on last season’s growth. An evergreen tree with substantial trunk the canopy develops into a pendulous, wide spreading mass of branches.

A native to Chile and Argentina where cattle feed on the leafy growth forming a characteristic browse line.

Maytenus boaria

Maytenus boaria