Maytenus aquifolia, the espinheira-santa, is an endemic tree (sometimes shrub) species endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome in southeastern Brazil,
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.
It is a medicinal species, being used for treating ulcers and gastritis.
ConservationIndiscriminate usage is threatening the survival of this species in its natural habitat.