Botanical name:

Syzygium maire

Common name(s):

Swamp maire, maire tawake, waiwaka

About:

A tree that features small, oval-shaped olive-green leaves, which are frequently mottled and exhibit blistered textures. In particular, specimens that thrive in water-logged conditions often display bright red breathing roots, known as pneumatophores, which rise elegantly from the lower trunk or from exposed roots, adding a striking visual element to the overall appearance of the tree.

Natural habitat:

Mostly found in coastal and lowland riparian forest in waterlogged ground, on the margins of swamps and stream sides. Also found in some of montane forest and cloud forest of Northland (e.g. Tutamoe), the western Waikato (Pirongia, Taumatatotara and Tawarau) and the lower margins of Egmont National Park where high rainfall and poor drainage provide ideal conditions for this tree to establish on hill slopes, tablelands and with karst landscapes.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Salt, Wetland & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Island from Te Paki south to Rarangi (near Blenheim). Now often scarce or absent over large parts of its former range due to the clearance of swamp forest.

Height: 16m

Flowering:

November – July with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January - December

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & wetland restoration.

How to grow:

Can be grown from seeds and cuttings. Cuttings are, as a rule, fickle. Seed will germinate readily if the fruits are first steeped in water and the fleshy covering allowed to rot off. Seed can then be sown on damp potting mix (ideally in trays partially immersed in water - which must never be allowed to dry out). Seedlings are delicate and resent root disturbance so need to be treated carefully when pricking out. Nevertheless once seedlings have established (after they have reached 500 mm or more tall) they are easily handled, provided they aren’t allowed to dry out. Syzygium maire is a beautiful tree for a waterlogged situation and will flourish in shaded or sunny situations. It is, however, frost tender and drought intolerant.