Maytenus aquifolium, the espinheira-santa, is an endemic tree (sometimes shrub) species endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome in southeastern Brazil.

Maytenus aquifolium
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Celastrales
Family: Celastraceae
Genus: Maytenus
Species:
M. aquifolium
Binomial name
Maytenus aquifolium
Mart.
Synonyms[1]

Monteverdia aquifolium (Mart.) Biral (2017)

Distribution

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It is native to the regions of Sudeste − in Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states; and of Sul − in Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states.[2]

Uses

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It is a medicinal species, being used for treating ulcers and gastritis.[3]

Conservation

Indiscriminate usage is threatening the survival of this species in its natural habitat.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Maytenus aquifolium Mart. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  2. ^ Lombardi, J.A., Groppo, M. 2010. Celastraceae in Lista de Espécies da Flora do Brasil. Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. (http://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br/2010/FB006747[permanent dead link]).
  3. ^ Mossi, A.J. (2003), Variabilidade genética e de compostos voláteis e semi voláteis em Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reiss. PhD Thesis Universidade Federal de São Carlos.
  4. ^ Consema, Secretaria do Meio Ambiente do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul: Espécies da Flora Ameaçadas de Extinção do Rio Grande do Sul ANGIOSPERMAE (2002).[permanent dead link]