Syzygium maire
🌱other (3)

Syzygium maire

Maire tawake · Swamp maire

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–6
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
0
Observations
1

Description

Source: leafsnap

Syzygium maire, swamp maire, is an evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand. It is found throughout the North Island, and the top of the South Island. The Māori language name is maire tawake. Swamp maire grows in wetlands, where it develops breathing roots in waterlogged soils, but is also tolerant of reasonably dry situations. The creamy-white flowers in autumn are followed by bright red drupes around 3 cm in length in late winter. The fruit are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The fruits are rich in antioxidants. Swamp maire is sold for use in gardens as an ornamental plant. It is not related to other species called maire, which are in the genus Nestegis.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Swamp maire does best with a large amount of light, though it can tolerate less sunny conditions. Coming from habitats with plenty of sun, its health suffers if it does not receive enough light. Either too much or too little light can affect this plant’s growth and vitality.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Swamp maire shows strong adaptability to a range of climate conditions, from scorching summers to chilly winters. Still, it has an optimal temperature range for growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures near the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it is important to provide insulation to protect the plant.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-6
Soil pH: 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilize your Swamp maire in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Consistent fertilization improves its overall health, leading to vigorous growth, increased tolerance of harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep to a defined fertilization schedule for your Swamp maire to maintain foliage that is vibrant, richly colored, and lush in appearance.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Syzygium
Family
Myrtaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
3.66 m to 7.62 m
Mature Spread
3.05 m to 3.66 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Mid winter, Late winter, Early spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Native Area
New Zealand

Tags (6)

Common Names (2)

en Maire tawake
en Swamp maire