SafePlants

Aristotelia: A Versatile Genus

The genus Aristotelia, belonging to the family Elaeocarpaceae, comprises approximately 18 species of trees and shrubs. The name honors the renowned Greek philosopher, Aristotle.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species within the Aristotelia genus produce berries, which may be attractive to pets.

Considerations for Children

• Some species within the Aristotelia genus produce berries, which may be attractive to children.
• Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) has serrated (saw-toothed) leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Aristotelia
• Family: Elaeocarpaceae
• The genus Aristotelia is considered closely related to the genus Vallea within the Elaeocarpaceae family.

Species within the Genus

• Aristotelia chilensis:
  • Common Names: Maqui, Chilean wineberry
  • Synonyms: Cornus chilensis, Aristotelia macqui, Aristotelia glandulosa
• Aristotelia serrata:
  • Common Names: Wineberry, Makomako, Mako
• Aristotelia billii
• Aristotelia ivae

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus Aristotelia is native to the Southern Hemisphere, with species found in:
  • New Zealand (2 species)
  • Australia (2 species)
  • Chile and Argentina (1 species)
• Aristotelia chilensis is native to the Valdivian temperate rainforests of Chile and adjacent regions.
• Aristotelia serrata occurs naturally throughout New Zealand in damp, disturbed forest margins.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Aristotelia chilensis is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters (9 feet) tall and 5 meters (16 feet) wide. It is considered frost tender and hardy to zone (UK) 8.
• Aristotelia serrata is a phanerogamous tree that grows quickly, especially in rich soil, typically reaching 3-4 meters in garden settings.
• Aristotelia serrata has serrated (saw-toothed) green leaves.
• Some varieties, like Aristotelia chilensis 'Variegata', have yellow and cream variegated leaves.
• Some species bear small red berries that turn black upon maturity.

Ecological Role

• Aristotelia serrata grows very quickly.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Aristotelia brizella uses Engels gras (Armeria maritima) as a host plant.

Quirky Facts

• Aristotelia serrata's species name "serrata" derives from Latin word "serratus" meaning "saw-toothed", referencing its leaves.
• The Maori name for Aristotelia serrata is Makomako, with Mako also being a valid name.
• Aristotelia chilensis is sometimes referred to as the "Patagonia Super Fruit" due to its high antioxidant properties.
• The genus name is named in honor of the Greek Philosopher, Aristoteles.