Micropropagated shoots of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. were obtained from axillary buds cultured in Murashige & Skoog medium supplemented with 13.3 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA). Addition of 1.1 μM 1-indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) to the medium increased shoot elongation. The number of shoots formed was influenced by BA concentration, degree of juvenility of the explant, and by bud explant position on the stem. Cultures of buds taken from stem parts located close to the shoot tip yielded more callus than shoots, whereas axillary buds at distant positions from the apical bud yielded more shoots.