Mayten tree
This tree was first planted in the gardens of Caerhays Castle after the 1990 hurricane where it has quietly grown into a graceful, ornamental and evergreen tree of some 30-40ft in height. Unusually for most ornamental trees it self seeds itself readily underneath the tree canopy and this has been the source of our nursery plants.
This is a native tree to Chile and Argentina and its form and habit can be somewhat variable as can be seen in our trees. Some branches have a very upright habit while others are pleasantly drooping with drooping branchlets.
The leaves are narrow and elliptic with fine toothing and the tiny green flowers are borne in profusion in the spring. In maturity the bark on the main trunk is distinct and attractive as well.
M. boaria is perfectly hardy in the UK but is seldom seen in our gardens. In Ireland it is much more commonly used as a feature plant in the landscape. The entrance to the exceptional gardens at Fota is graced by a huge mayten tree.
