Maytenus aquifolium, 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 â in Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states; and of Sul â in Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states.
It is a medicinal species, being used for treating ulcers and gastritis.
Indiscriminate usage is threatening the survival of this species in its natural habitat.