INTRODUCTION

Image of Maytenus disticha

VII Region, Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas, El Bolsón, Chile
Altitude: 1640 m. 11 26, 2006

DESCRIPTION

Plant type: Shrub

Flower: Red, 4 petals

Height: 60 cm.

Image of Maytenus disticha

IX Region, Vilcun - Llaima, Chile
Altitude: 400-1500 m. 03 14, 2006

HABITAT

In Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:

Habitat according to altitude:

High altitude close to the timber line
Medium altitude up to the timber line

Watering conditions:

The plant grows in water or it has its roots within a permanent water course. This corresponds to marshes, bogs, water courses, lake and river shores.
Humid areas, with almost constant rainfall. Short dry periods are possible (generally not longer than 1 month).

Light conditions:

Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.
Some shadow. Some protection against direct sunlight, some shadow from vegetation, filtering about 20 - 40 % of light.
In shadow. Steep slopes facing south or a vegetation cover which filters 40 - 80 % of light.

Image of Maytenus disticha

VII Region, Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas, El Bolsón, Chile
Altitude: 1640 m. 11 26, 2006

USES

Some ornamental value (B)

Image of Maytenus disticha

VII Region, Reserva Nacional Radal Siete Tazas, El Bolsón, Chile
Altitude: 1640 m. 11 26, 2006

GROWING TIPS

This species has the following hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 7, even 6b. The plant tolerates low temperatures (-15° C even -20° C), it can be covered by snow for months (1 - 8 months).

If you are interested in purchasing seeds of this or similar species, please go to our On-line Seeds Shop.

More photos (16) of Maytenus disticha (Hook.f.) J.B.Urban available here

More species from the same Celastraceae family in our data base:

Maytenus boaria (Maitén)

Maytenus chubutensis (Maiten de Chubut)

Maytenus disticha (Racoma / Maitencito)

Maytenus magellanica (Leña dura / Maitén de Magallanes / Palo duro)