Three Kings Elingamita
Botanical name: Elingamita johnsonii
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Three Kings Elingamita, Elingamita
About:
Three Kings Elingamita is a rare and highly distinctive endemic shrub or small tree found naturally only on a few islands in the Three Kings group. It is the sole species in the genus Elingamita, making it especially significant botanically.
The plant has thick, glossy dark green leaves, smooth grey bark and conspicuous clusters of bright red fruit. Its stout branches and leathery foliage give it a lush, almost subtropical appearance.
Natural habitat:
Occurs in pōhutukawa forest and coastal shrubland on West Island in the Three Kings Islands. It usually grows as an understorey shrub or small tree beneath taller coastal vegetation.
On exposed rocky islets it may grow in more open positions and can form part of the upper canopy. Its natural habitat is maritime, windy, humid and frost-free.
Growing environment:
Prefers warm, sheltered conditions with fertile, free-draining soil. Young plants grow best in semi-shade, while established specimens tolerate and often thrive in full sun.
It is very sensitive to frost and cold winds and is best suited to warm coastal districts or protected gardens. Good drainage is essential, although plants benefit from regular moisture during establishment.
Endemic distribution:
Endemic to the Three Kings Islands. The entire natural population is confined to West Island and two nearby rocky islets in the Princes Group.
Height:
Usually 2–5 m, occasionally reaching approximately 8 m
Width:
Approximately 2–5 m, forming a broad spreading crown
Flowering:
February–May, sometimes also August–November
Fruiting:
Fruit may be present throughout the year because it can take approximately 12 months to ripen
Uses:
• Rare native specimen tree
• Conservation planting
• Botanical collections
• Coastal gardens
• Subtropical-style native planting
• Wildlife gardens
• Educational planting
• Edible fruit curiosity
Appearance:
Growth habit:
A stout, much-branched shrub or small tree with an upright to spreading canopy. Young branches are fleshy or slightly succulent, becoming woody as they mature.
Plants are mostly dioecious, with male and female flowers usually produced on separate individuals.
Trunk/Bark:
The trunk and older branches are thick and grey, with smooth bark marked by fine lenticels. The swollen, almost turgid appearance of the stems is a distinctive feature.
Leaves:
Leaves are large, rigid and leathery, generally 10–20 cm long and 4–9 cm wide, although broader leaves may occur.
They are obovate to broadly obovate, widest toward the tip, with smooth entire margins. The upper surface is dark glossy green, while the underside is paler.
The midrib is prominent and the side veins are clearly visible. Small translucent dots may be seen when the leaf is held against the light.
Leaves are borne on stout, succulent petioles up to approximately 10 mm long.
Flowers:
Flowers are small and borne in terminal branched clusters up to approximately 6 cm across. The clusters enlarge as the fruit develops.
Male flowers are yellow to yellowish pink, with four to six narrow petals and protruding stamens carrying yellow to orange pollen.
Female flowers are pale yellow to pink and have shorter tubular petals surrounding an oval ovary. Some female flowers contain reduced stamens and may occasionally produce functional pollen.
Fruit:
The fruit is a bright red, round to slightly flattened drupe, generally 17–20 mm across. It is produced in dense grape-like clusters and is one of the plant’s most ornamental features.
The flesh is white and surrounds a single large seed. The fruit is edible and has been described as tasting somewhat like an oily or salty apple.
Seeds:
Each fruit normally contains one seed enclosed within a brittle grey-brown to greyish white inner shell.
Seed may take many months to germinate, but seedlings grow rapidly once established.
Ecology:
Three Kings Elingamita is a rare coastal forest species whose entire wild population occupies a very restricted area.
Its fleshy fruit is likely adapted for dispersal by birds, although its present-day natural dispersal ecology is not fully understood. Because male and female flowers are usually borne on separate plants, successful fruit production depends on both sexes growing within pollinating distance.
The species is highly vulnerable to fire, severe storms, disease and the accidental introduction of rats. Its red fruit is very palatable and could be heavily affected if rodents reached the islands.
Associated habitats:
Pōhutukawa forest, coastal shrubland, exposed maritime cliffs, rocky islets and warm frost-free coastal forest.
Associated plants include pōhutukawa and other salt-tolerant shrubs and coastal forest species of the Three Kings Islands.
How to grow:
Plant in fertile, free-draining soil in a warm and sheltered position. Young plants prefer semi-shade and protection from strong sun until established.
Water regularly during dry periods and apply mulch to maintain even soil moisture. Avoid poorly drained or waterlogged sites.
Once established, plants may be moved into brighter conditions and can develop into excellent specimen trees. In cooler districts they require protection from frost and cold southerly winds.
Because the species is predominantly dioecious, several plants should be grown together to improve the likelihood of having both male and female individuals and obtaining fruit.
Propagation:
Propagation is usually from fresh seed. Remove the flesh, clean the seed and sow it in a warm, free-draining propagation mix.
Germination can take up to a year, so containers should be kept moist and shaded without being discarded too early.
Cuttings are possible but generally slow and difficult to strike. Seedlings grow comparatively quickly once germination occurs.
Cultural use:
The genus was named after the steamship Elingamite, which was wrecked near West Island in 1902. The species name johnsonii honours the person commemorated by the original describer.
The fruit is edible, although the plant is extremely rare and cultivated specimens should be valued primarily for conservation and education.
Contact with the leaves has caused allergic skin reactions in at least one recorded case. Prolonged handling may result in blistering, redness or itching, so gloves are advisable when pruning or propagating the plant.
Garden value:
Three Kings Elingamita is an exceptional specimen for warm, frost-free gardens. Its broad glossy foliage, unusual grey stems and clusters of bright red fruit give it strong ornamental appeal.
Its extreme rarity, distinctive appearance and status as the only species in an endemic genus make it particularly valuable for botanical gardens, conservation collections and specialist native plantings.