Common Name:

General Information

Maytenus rigida is an evergreen tree with a rounded, very dense, much-branched crown; it can grow 4 - 8 metres tall. The tree often has more than one bole, which can be 15 - 30cm in diameter[].
The plant is a well-known and popular remedy in Brazil for treating kidney problems. The wood is also sometimes harvested for local use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - eastern and northeastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dry forest areas of northeast Brazil, often in secondary formations, it is found growing mainly on rocky, compacted, dry sites[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the 'Caatinga' dry forest region of northeast Brazil. The climate is hot and dry, there are usually 6 to 11 months without rain each year. The mean annual rainfall varies from 250 - 1,000mm, and the mean annual temperature is from 24 - 26°c.
Requires a sunny position[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A slow-growing tree[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The inner bark is used in the treatment of kidney problems[].

Other Uses

The heartwood and sapwood are not clearly demarcated. The wood is hard, heavy, of low natural durability and difficult to work. It has little utility because of its small dimensions and low resistance to rot, but is still said to be used sometimes in cabinet making and carpentry[].
The wood is a sought-after and popular fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 40% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 35 - 45 days[]. The seedlings are slow to grow away[].

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