Maytenus vitis-idaea

Maytenus vitius-idaeae, commonly known as the climbing celastrus, is a versatile medicinal climber native to tropical regions. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation and skin conditions. Its unique phytochemical profile continues to intrigue modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Maytenus vitis-idaea
  • Family: Celastraceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Maytenus vitis-idaea, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Celastrales and the family Celastraceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Maytenus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Celastrales WCVP
Family Celastraceae WCVP
Genus Maytenus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Maytenus vitis-idaea, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the madi, while in Spanish, it is called madi. Within local linguistic groups, it is also identified as madi in many contexts, reflecting its widespread presence in certain ecological zones.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several regions of the South American continent. In Western South America, its range includes the country of Bolivia. Moving into Southern South America, it is widely distributed throughout the Northeast, Northwest, and South regions of Argentina. Additionally, the species can be found within the borders of Paraguay. Together, these locations define the specific geographical footprint of Maytenus vitis-idaea.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northeast WCVP
Southern South America Argentina South WCVP
Southern South America Argentina Northwest WCVP
Southern South America Paraguay WCVP
Southern South America Uruguay WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Maytenus vitiensis (often referred to in botanical literature alongside its related species), utilizes its various structures for survival, but its roots serve as a vital foundation for nutrient and water absorption from the soil. While many medicinal applications of the genus focus on the leaves or stems, the roots play a fundamental role in the plant's overall physiological health and stability.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Maytenus vitis-idaea has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆