1 Chaya maya tree - The supermarket of the Mayas (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) Edible plant

Maya Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)

The Maya Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), also known as "the Maya supermarket," is a perennial plant native to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties and plays a significant role in the traditional cuisine of the region. Famous for its high content of vitamins and minerals, this plant is resilient and easy to grow under various conditions.

Main Characteristics

• Common Names: Maya Chaya, Chaya, Chaya Tree
• Scientific Name: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius
• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Origin: Mexico (especially the Yucatán Peninsula)
• Plant Type: Perennial, bushy

Growth

• Height: Can grow from 2 to 3 meters tall under optimal conditions
• Shape: Shrubby with dense foliage

Foliage

• Leaves: Large, intense green in color, shaped like maple leaves, with a rough texture
• Growth Habit: The leaves grow in a bushy pattern, providing dense coverage

Flowers and Fruits

• Flowers: Small, white, and arranged in clusters
• Fruits: Globular in shape and green in color, though the leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant

Nutritional and Medicinal Properties

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins (A, C, and B), minerals (iron, calcium, and potassium), and antioxidants, making it a highly nutritious food source
• Medicinal Use: Used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and diabetes
• Culinary Uses: The leaves are commonly used in soups, stews, and as a vegetable in Mexican cuisine. They must be cooked to neutralize toxins present in raw form
• Traditional Importance: Known as "the supermarket of the Mayans" for its extensive use in local diets

Care Instructions

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but can grow in a variety of soil types
• Watering: Requires moderate watering, with a preference for tropical or subtropical climates
• Light: Full sun for optimal growth
• Pruning: Regular trimming can help maintain size and encourage new growth

Benefits and Uses

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Often used as a superfood due to its high vitamin and mineral content
• Cultural Heritage: An essential plant in traditional Yucatán cuisine, representing an integral part of the local diet
• Easy to Cultivate: Resilient and well-suited for growing in diverse environments, making it a valuable plant for sustainable farming in arid or semi-arid regions

The Maya Chaya is not only a significant source of nourishment but also a vital part of cultural identity and tradition in the Yucatán region. Whether for its culinary uses, medicinal benefits, or ease of cultivation, it remains a beloved and enduring plant.

OUR CONDITIONS FOR EXTERNAL (INTERNATIONAL) ORDERS ARE:

1. OUR NURSERY WILL NOT REFUND PAYMENTS IN ANY CASE.

2. PLANTS TRAVEL IN A SPECIAL LONG TUBE ADAPTED TO YOUR PLANT SIZE AND WILL BE SHIPPED NOT BARE ROOT. BUT INSTED OF IT, THEY ARE SHIPPED IN WET MOISTENED PEAT MOSS/COCONUT FIBER AND HYDRATED HYDROGEL BALLS WITHOUT CERTIFICATE OR PERMISSION.

3. OUR ONLINE NURSERY COMMITS TO SHIP THE PACKAGE WITH A MAXIMMUM OF 4 PLANTS ON EACH PACKET DECLARED AS ''GIFT'' WITH A LOW DELCARATION COST, SO IN CAN PASS THRU. OTHERWISE OUR PLANTS WILL BE REJECTED BY THE CUSTOMS IN ANY COUNTRY.

4. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, DEATH, CONFISCATION PACKAGES. CHECK YOUR LOCAL REGULATIONS BEFORE PLACE YOUR ORDER IN OUR WEBSITE.

5. THE PLANTS ARE CAPABLE TO REACH COUNTRYS AFTER MORE THAN 45 DAYS AND SURVIVE THE LONG TRAVEL WITH OUR SPECIAL SHIPPING SYSTEM. TRUST IN OUR NURSERY, WE ARE EXPERTS, WE WILL PROVIDE YOU A TRACKING NUMBER ON EACH ORDER.

6. IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO WAIT DON'T ORDER FROM US. 

7. WE ARE NOT SHIPPING LIVE PLANTS ANY MORE TO: UNITED STATES, ISLAS CANARIAS, PUERTO RICO, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS AND BRAZIL DUE TO BAD EXPERIENCES THERE.

8. IF YOU REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL PLANTS DON'T HESITATE TO ASK OUR TEAM TRHOUGHT OUR WEBMAIL ADDRESS. 

9. ALL THIS CONDITIONS ARE NOT FOR OUR DEAR MEXICAN BUYERS, PLEASE QUERY OUR SPANISH WEBSITE TO SEE WHAT ARE OUR SHIPPING AND PAYMENT DETAILS. INSIDE MEXICO OUR TEAM IS CAPABLE TO DELIVER IN JUST 24-48 HRS AFTER THE ORDER IS RECEIVED.

10. WE ARE NOT TAKING ANY MORE PAYPAL DUE TO THE CLAIMS OF PEOPLE WHO NEVER UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE TERMS AND CONDITIONS! 

11. PAYMENTS: WE ARE TAKING ONLY SWIFT PAYMENTS AND BANK TRANSFERS FOR INTERNATIONAL ORDERS. YOU CAN FILL YOU INQUIRY TO OUR WEBSITE EMAIL ADDRESS.

12. WE HAVE ALSO OTHER SEEDS, PLANTS AND THINGS FROM MEXICO LIKE MINERALS, CRAFTS, ETC, IF YOU TRYIN TO FIND SOMETHING UNIQUE JUST ASK OUR TEAM.

YES WE SHIP WORLDWIDE

YES WE SPEAK ENGLISH, FRENCH, AND OTHER LANGUAGES.

YES DO WE COMBINE SHIPPINGS.

YES OUR SHIPPING COSTS ARE THE CHEAPEST IN THE MARKET.

WE SHIP ONLY THROUGHT MEXICAN POSTAL SERVICE ECONOMY WITH TRACKING NUMBER.

MAX 4 PLANTS QUOTA FOR EACH BOX.