Plant Description
Maytenus cymosa (Sol.) Exell, also known as "Maytenus boaria" or "Mayten", is a small tree that can reach up to 8 meters in height. It belongs to the family Celastraceae and is native to Chile and Argentina. The plant has a dense and spreading crown with drooping branches that are covered in small, glossy, and elliptical leaves. The bark of Maytenus cymosa is smooth and greyish-brown in color with horizontal lenticels.
Common Names
Maytenus cymosa has various common names in different regions, including "Mayten", "Maitén", "Maytén del frío", "Maytén colorado", and "Chojilla".
Uses
The bark, leaves, and branches of Maytenus cymosa have been traditionally used in South America for medical purposes due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is also believed to have anti-rheumatic, anti-diarrhea, and antiseptic effects. The plant is also used for erosion control, ornamental gardening, and as firewood.
General Appearance
Maytenus cymosa is a small tree with a dense and spreading crown. Its branches are drooping, covered in small glossy and elliptical leaves. The bark of the tree is smooth and greyish-brown in color with horizontal lenticels. It produces small, green flowers in spring and summer, which develop into reddish-brown berries in the winter. The plant thrives in well-draining soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirements
Maytenus cymosa requires bright or direct sunlight to thrive. The plant grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant needs at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow, develop and produce flowers and fruits. Low light conditions will result in weak growth and yellow leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Maytenus cymosa requires warm temperatures between 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C) to grow well. The plant cannot tolerate frost and requires protection if grown in areas with low temperatures. The ideal temperature for the plant ranges between 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).
Soil Requirements
Maytenus cymosa prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH range should be between slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant does well in sandy loam or clay loam soils with good drainage. The soil should not be waterlogged. Soil that retains too much moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods for Maytenus cymosa
Maytenus cymosa, commonly referred to as the orange bark tree, is a sturdy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It thrives in subtropical and tropical climates. It is important to plant it in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant does well in partial shade or full sun, but excessive heat and direct sunlight can harm the plant.
When planting Maytenus cymosa, ensure that the hole is at least twice as wide as the root ball, which allows for proper root development. It is recommended to add a layer of organic compost to give the plant the necessary nutrients it needs to thrive.
Watering needs for Maytenus cymosa
While Maytenus cymosa is drought-tolerant, it still needs sufficient water to thrive. Young plants require more frequent watering to establish their root system, and once the plant is established, deep watering every two weeks will suffice. During dry spells, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently to prevent dehydration and leaf drop.
Fertilization for Maytenus cymosa
Maytenus cymosa doesn't require heavy fertilization. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in early fall is sufficient. An organic liquid fertilizer can be used in place of the slow-release fertilizer. An excess of fertilizer can cause the plant to produce an excessive amount of vegetative growth with few flowers.
Pruning Maytenus cymosa
Maytenus cymosa requires minimal pruning, especially when it's not grown as a hedge. It's best to avoid heavy pruning and instead, prune selectively to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Prune in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Pruning at other times of the year can reduce flower production.
Propagation of Maytenus cymosa (Sol.) Exell
Maytenus cymosa (Sol.) Exell, commonly known as the Chuchuhuasi tree or the Maytenus tree, is a plant species that is native to the Amazon basin. This plant belongs to the family Celastraceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 meters in height. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used widely in traditional medicine.
Propagation Methods
Maytenus cymosa can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seed propagation method involves collecting mature seeds from the plant. The seeds are then sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The seeds will germinate within four to six weeks. Once the seedling has grown big enough, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoors in the garden.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Maytenus cymosa can be done through root cuttings or by transplanting young saplings. The saplings are removed from the parent plant and transplanted into a suitable soil mix. The root system should be intact while transplanting to improve survival rates.
Cuttings
The cutting propagation method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant. The cuttings should be at least six inches long and should have two to three nodes. The cuttings are then dipped into rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The planted cutting should be kept in a humid environment and watered regularly. The cuttings will root within three to four weeks, and once rooted, they can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoors in the garden.
In conclusion, Maytenus cymosa can be propagated by seed, vegetative propagation, or cuttings. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but successful propagation can be achieved with proper care and attention.
Disease Management
Maytenus cymosa, also known as “chuchuhuasi,” is a plant that is susceptible to various diseases such as leaf spot, stem cankers, and root rot. Preventive measures are crucial to minimize the occurrence of these diseases in the plant.
To prevent leaf spot, it is advised to improve air circulation by pruning dense branches and leaves. Regularly inspecting the leaves for any signs of infection, and promptly removing and destroying the infected leaves also helps in disease management. Applying fungicides may also help in controlling the spread of leaf spot.
Stem cankers can be managed by cutting off the infected parts of the stem. It is essential to ensure that the cutting tool used is sterilized to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoiding physical damage to the stem and maintaining an optimal growth condition for the plant is also important in the prevention of stem cankers.
Root rot can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage in the plant’s soil. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent waterlogging, which promotes the growth and spread of root rot. Fungicides that are specifically formulated to control root rot can also be applied to the plant.
Pest Management
Maytenus cymosa is also susceptible to pest infestations. Pests such as spider mites, caterpillars, and scales are common in this plant. Pests can cause damage to the plant by weakening its structure and transmitting disease-causing microorganisms. Preventive measures can be taken to minimize the occurrence of pest infestations.
Spider mites can be managed through the application of insecticides or by regularly washing the plant’s foliage to remove any infestations. Applying insecticidal soap and increasing humidity levels around the plant also contributes to pest management.
Caterpillars can be physically removed from the plant and destroyed manually. Applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring bacteria that is toxic to caterpillars, can also help in controlling the infestation.
Scales can be managed by physically removing them from the plant using a soft brush or cloth. Applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also help in controlling the infestation. It is essential to maintain the plant’s health and avoid physical damage to the stem and foliage to prevent pest infestations.
