Swamp Maire
Syzygium maire Explore more in the native plants index.
Introduction
Swamp Maire (scientific name: Syzygium maire) is a distinctive native tree known for its glossy leaves and spectacular displays of vibrant red berries that attract native birds. This hardy wetland species thrives in damp conditions and is valued for its dense canopy, making it excellent for habitat restoration and wildlife gardens. Endemic to New Zealand, it's an important food source for native birds and a beautiful ornamental tree. Explore more in the native plants index.
Plant Description
Botanical Features
Swamp Maire (Syzygium maire), also known as maire tawake or waiwaka, is an evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand. It is found throughout the North Island and the northern half of the South Island, typically in coastal and lowland riparian forests, swamps, and stream sides, though it can also tolerate reasonably dry situations. It can grow up to 16 meters high, with a trunk up to 0.8 meters in diameter. The tree often has a smooth, pale bark that can be pinkish-grey, grey-brown, or white, and may flake in irregular shards. In waterlogged conditions, it frequently develops "knees" or erect aerial roots called pneumatophores, which are striking red breathing roots that rise from the lower trunk or exposed roots. The leaves are opposite, subcoriaceous, and typically elliptic, ranging from 15-60 mm long and 10-25 mm wide. They are yellowish-green to green, glossy on the upper surface, and paler green underneath. The leaves often have small galls, leaf blisters, or reddish spots and blotches, and their margins can be entire, sinuate, or undulate. The tree produces white, brushy flowers, about 1 cm wide, with many projecting white filaments. These flowers are arranged in cymose clusters of 5-30 flowers, which can be up to 100 mm in diameter. The main flowering period is from mid-summer to mid-winter. The fruit are fleshy, berry-like, subglobose to elliptic-ovoid, and measure 10-15 mm in diameter. They are deep crimson and glossy, containing a single large seed.
Quick Facts
Essential Information
| Scientific Name | Syzygium maire |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 15 m |
| Spread | 5 - 8 m |
| Water Needs | High; requires consistently wet or boggy conditions |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Low; frost tender when young |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived tree |
Climate Best Suited to
Swamp Maire is found in lowland and coastal swamp forests of the North Island and the northern tip of the South Island. It thrives in warm, humid climates with consistently wet soil conditions. It is sensitive to frost, especially when young, and does not tolerate drought.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Good |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Poor |
Natural Habitat
Swamp Maire (Syzygium maire), also known as maire tawake or waiwaka, is an evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand. Its natural habitat primarily includes coastal and lowland riparian forests, thriving in waterlogged ground, on the margins of swamps, and alongside streams.
Key Habitats Include:
- Wetland Environments: It is a specialist of wetland environments, commonly found in waterlogged ground, swamps, and streamsides. A key adaptation is the development of "breathing roots" (pneumatophores) in wet soils.
- Montane and Cloud Forests: It can also be found in some montane and cloud forests in Northland, the western Waikato, and the lower margins of Egmont National Park. In these areas, high rainfall and poor drainage create ideal conditions for the tree to establish itself on hill slopes, tablelands, and in karst landscapes.
Preferred Conditions:
- Moisture: It prefers wet conditions and has high moisture requirements, thriving in consistently wet or boggy soils.
- Tolerance: While it prefers wet conditions, it can tolerate reasonably dry situations, sun, shade, and coastal environments. However, it is frost tender and drought intolerant.
Distribution:
- Widespread: It is distributed throughout the North Island and in the northern half of the South Island, from Te Paki south to Rarangi near Blenheim.
- Declining Populations: Historically widespread, its populations have declined due to the clearance of swamp forests, highlighting its conservation importance.
The presence of Syzygium maire in these specific habitats underscores its ecological importance in contributing to the biodiversity and structural complexity of New Zealand's unique wetland and riparian ecosystems.
Plant Conservation
Syzygium maire, also known as swamp maire, maire tawake, or waiwaka, is an evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand. Its conservation status has significantly deteriorated in recent years. Previously classified as "Not Threatened" in 2012, its status was elevated to "Nationally Critical" in 2017 and then to "Threatened - Nationally Vulnerable" in 2023. Major threats include habitat loss due to extensive clearance of swamp forests and drainage of wetlands, and the devastating impact of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii), a fungal pathogen. Recalcitrant seeds, which are difficult to store long-term, also pose a challenge for ex-situ conservation efforts. Conservation efforts and research are underway to protect Syzygium maire, including propagation techniques, seed banking and cryopreservation, myrtle rust mitigation, and community involvement.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Swamp Maire (Syzygium maire) thrives in consistently moist, fertile soil that can handle seasonal waterlogging. It is well-suited for damp, boggy, or seasonally wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens, riparian zones, and low-lying areas. It has evolved specialized breathing roots (pneumatophores) to cope with poorly drained conditions.
Light Requirements
Swamp Maire performs best in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in full sun, which promotes vigorous growth, but also tolerates partial sun or dappled forest light. High light levels are necessary for new seedlings to establish.
Water Requirements
Swamp Maire has high moisture requirements and tolerates "wet feet," meaning it can grow in consistently wet or boggy conditions. Consistent moisture is crucial, and the soil should remain damp without becoming waterlogged. Regular watering is essential during establishment and dry periods.
Planting Guide
Syzygium maire, also known as Swamp Maire, Maire Tawake, or Waiwaka, is a New Zealand native tree that typically grows 8-15 meters tall and 4-6 meters wide, forming a dense, rounded canopy. It is characterized by its small, oval olive-green leaves, which often have a mottled and blistered appearance, and produces white flowers in spring followed by red berries.
1. Ideal Growing Conditions
- Soil: Syzygium maire thrives in damp, boggy, or seasonally wet soils, making it suitable for rain gardens, riparian zones, and low-lying areas. It can also grow well in regular garden soil if kept consistently moist.
- Light: It prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Moisture: This tree requires reasonable moisture levels all year round and can tolerate occasional flooding. It is drought intolerant.
- Habitat: Naturally found in coastal and lowland riparian forests in waterlogged ground, on the margins of swamps and streamsides. It can also be found in montane and cloud forests where high rainfall and poor drainage create ideal conditions.
- Tolerances: It is wetland and coastal tolerant.
2. Planting
- Spacing: When planting for restoration or landscaping, space trees 3-5 meters apart to allow for mature growth and good airflow. In home gardens, adjust spacing based on site conditions and desired canopy coverage.
- Protection: Protect young plants from heavy frost and wind. Syzygium maire is frost tender.
3. Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to mimic its natural habitat. Regular watering is crucial during dry spells to establish a strong root system.
- Mulching: Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not directly touch the trunk.
- Pruning: Pruning is rarely needed but can be done to shape the tree or remove deadwood.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Syzygium maire is generally low-maintenance.
4. Propagation
- Seeds: Syzygium maire can be grown from seeds. The fruits should first be steeped in water to allow the fleshy covering to rot off. Seeds 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 handle them carefully when pricking out. Once seedlings reach 500 mm or more tall, they are easier to handle, provided they are not allowed to dry out. Seeds germinate better at temperatures between 15-25°C with a 16-hour dark and 8-hour light cycle.
- Cuttings: Propagation by cuttings is also possible, though they can be fickle. Softwood cuttings can be used, and root development may be increased by using indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatment.
5. Threats and Considerations
- Conservation Status: The conservation status of Syzygium maire was raised to Nationally Critical in 2017 due to the arrival of myrtle rust in New Zealand. Many populations are in slow decline due to the clearance of swamp forests.
- Myrtle Rust: Syzygium maire is susceptible to myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii).
Ecological Role
Wetland Foundation Tree
Swamp maire (Syzygium maire) forms part of the canopy in kahikatea-maire swamp forest remnants, where its buttressed roots tolerate periodic flooding and help trap sediments, improving water quality.
Food for Wildlife
The fleshy red fruits are eaten by kererū and other frugivorous birds, aiding seed dispersal between wetland fragments. Flowers supply nectar and pollen to a range of insects.
Threats and Resilience
Habitat loss through drainage and the spread of myrtle rust threaten local populations. Restoring hydrology and diverse wetland margins greatly enhances survival and recruitment.
Uses & Significance
A Wetland Specialist
- Ecological Importance: A critical component of New Zealand's threatened swamp forests, providing habitat and food for native birds and insects.
- Conservation: Due to its declining status, it is a key species in wetland restoration and conservation projects.
- Wildlife Garden: The bright red berries are a favourite food of native birds, especially t«« and kerer«.
- Traditional Uses: Historically, the inner bark was used by Mori to treat ringworm, and the bark and wood were used to produce dyes.
Landscaping Ideas
Wetland Edges and Ponds
Plant swamp maire beside ponds, oxbows, and slow streams where soils are periodically wet. Its glossy foliage and buttressed base add drama while providing shade and habitat.
Mixed Swamp Forest
Combine with Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, Laurelia novae-zelandiae, and kahikatea understory shrubs to recreate diverse wetland margins.
Seasonal Care
Swamp Maire (Syzygium maire) is a beautiful native tree that thrives in consistently moist conditions. Understanding its seasonal growth patterns and needs will help ensure its health and vibrant display of berries.
Spring
- Active Growth: Spring is an active growth period for Swamp Maire, with new foliage emerging.
- Planting: This is an ideal time for planting new specimens, allowing them to establish before the summer heat.
- Watering: Monitor soil moisture and ensure consistent watering as temperatures warm and growth accelerates.
- Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Summer
- Flowering: Flowering typically occurs from spring to early summer, with small, inconspicuous flowers.
- Watering: Ensure adequate watering during hot, dry periods, as this tree has high moisture requirements and does not tolerate drought.
- Heat Tolerance: Established plants show good heat tolerance with appropriate moisture.
Autumn
- Fruiting: Autumn is when the spectacular bright red, fleshy berries ripen, providing a vital food source for native birds.
- Planting: This is another good time for planting new specimens as temperatures moderate.
- Watering: Reduce watering frequency gradually as growth slows, but maintain appropriate soil moisture.
Winter
- Dormancy: Winter is typically a period of slower growth.
- Frost Protection: Swamp Maire is frost-tender, especially when young. Protect young trees from heavy frosts. In colder climates, ensure they are in a sheltered location.
- Watering: Reduce watering but ensure the soil doesn't completely dry out, as it prefers consistently moist conditions.
Pruning
Techniques and Timing
Swamp Maire (Syzygium maire) generally requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural form and health. Most maintenance involves removing dead or damaged growth and light shaping if needed.
- Maintenance Pruning: Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased growth as needed. This can be done at any time of year to maintain the tree's health and appearance.
- Formative Pruning: Young trees can be lightly pruned to encourage a strong central leader and a well-balanced canopy, or to shape them if desired.
- Timing: If more significant shaping or size reduction is required, it is generally best done after the main flowering period (late spring/early summer) or in late winter/early spring before new growth begins.
- Avoid Heavy Pruning: While Swamp Maire responds well to light pruning, avoid heavy or drastic cuts, as this can stress the tree.
- Tools: Always use clean, sharp tools when pruning to minimize disease risk.
How to Grow Swamp Maire
Swamp Maire (Syzygium maire) is a beautiful and increasingly rare native tree of New Zealand's wetlands. It is distinguished by its glossy, dark green leaves, attractive pale bark, and a spectacular display of bright red, fleshy berries that ripen in autumn and winter. This tree is a vital component of swamp forests, providing food for native birds and playing a crucial role in these unique ecosystems. As a wetland myrtaceous tree, it establishes best in consistently moist to wet soils. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully cultivating this important native tree, especially given its susceptibility to myrtle rust.
From Seed
Propagating Swamp Maire from fresh seed is a straightforward and reliable method. Harvest fully colored, ripe fruit, typically in autumn or early winter. It is crucial to remove all fleshy aril from the seeds, as this can inhibit germination; soaking and gently rubbing can help with this process. Wash the seeds clean and sow them promptly into a free-draining but moisture-retentive, sterile mix at a shallow depth (approximately 5-8 mm). Keep the medium evenly moist in bright, indirect light at temperatures between 15-22 °C. Germination is usually reliable if the seed is fresh, often occurring within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves and are stable, carefully prick them out into individual small pots, minimizing root disturbance. Grow them on in a sheltered position with steady moisture before gradually hardening them off for planting out.
From Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
Semi-hardwood cuttings of Swamp Maire can be taken from non-flowering shoots in late spring to summer. Select cuttings that are 8-12 cm long. Remove the lower leaves, reduce the remaining leaf area by half to minimize transpiration, and treat the cut bases with an IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) rooting hormone. Insert the cuttings into a very free-draining medium (e.g., coarse perlite with fine bark) under high humidity (e.g., a mist bench or covered propagator), bottom heat around 18-22 °C, and bright filtered light. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. Rooting can be variable, often taking several months. Pot on only once a firm root system has formed, and then gradually acclimatize the new plants to outdoor conditions. This method is generally more successful for experienced propagators or in specialized nursery settings with controlled environmental conditions.
Pests & Diseases
Myrtle Rust
Swamp Maire is highly susceptible to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that can severely impact the plant. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help reduce the risk. Otherwise, it is generally pest-free.
Cultural Significance
Syzygium maire, commonly known as swamp maire or by its Māori name maire tawake, holds significant cultural importance in New Zealand, particularly for the Māori people. Its cultural significance stems from several uses and its role within the ecosystem. For Māori, the bark of maire tawake was valued for producing a blue-black dye, which was used for items made from harakeke (New Zealand flax). The bright red drupes (fruits) of the Syzygium maire are edible and were a traditional food source. They could be eaten raw or cooked, and were used to make "waiwaka puddings," contributing to the rich and diverse diet sourced from wetlands. Maire tawake is an integral part of the "whare-repo" (swamp home) ecosystem, coexisting with other culturally significant trees. These environments also provided other important cultural materials like paru (muds), valued in arts, rongoaa (medicines), and as indicators of environmental health. The tree is known by several Māori names, including maire tawake, maire tawhake, tuhuhi, waiwaka, and whaawhaakou. Despite its historical importance, many New Zealanders today are unaware of this tree and its significance, especially given the extensive clearance of swamp forests that once covered large parts of the North and South Islands.
Bonus Tip
Swamp maire (Syzygium maire) develops striking pneumatophores in waterlogged sites. In gardens, mimic this with consistently moist soil and a thick leaf-litter mulch; avoid compacted ground so the shallow roots can breathe.
