Maytenus

Maytenus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Celastraceae. It comprises numerous species of evergreen shrubs and small trees found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Members of the genus vary in size and habit, but many are thornless or somewhat spiny, with simple, alternately arranged leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. The fruit is typically a capsule or berry that splits open to disperse seeds.

Taxonomy within Celastraceae has been fluid, and the composition of Maytenus has changed as botanists have revised generic boundaries. Some species once placed in Maytenus have been transferred to related genera, while others remain in Maytenus sensu lato.

Several species are notable for their use in traditional medicine or as timber or ornamental plants. Maytenus ilicifolia, known as espinheira-santa, is native to Brazil and long used in folk medicine for digestive ailments and anti-inflammatory purposes. Maytenus africana occurs in Africa and has traditional applications for various ailments. Maytenus boaria is native to southern South America and is valued for timber. In addition, Maytenus species produce a range of bioactive secondary compounds that have attracted scientific interest for potential pharmaceutical applications, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Conservation status varies by species; habitat loss and overharvesting threaten some Maytenus taxa in certain regions. The genus remains an active area of taxonomic and phytochemical research.