Biology:Syzygium maire
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (May 2026) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) |
| Swamp maire | |
|---|---|
| |
| S. maire in Auckland with tī kōuka (Cordyline australis) behind | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Syzygium |
| Species: | S. maire
|
| Binomial name | |
| Syzygium maire (A.Cunn.) Sykes & Garn.-Jones
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Eugenia maire A.Cunn. | |
Syzygium maire, commonly known as the swamp maire, is an evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand. It is found throughout the North Island, and in the northern half of the South Island. The Māori name for the tree 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 Notelaea.
References
- Metcalf, Laurie, 2002. A Photographic Guide to Trees of New Zealand. Auckland: New Holland.
- Salmon, J.T., 1986. The Native Trees of New Zealand. Wellington: Heinemann Reed.
External links
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, Syzygium maire, accessed 2 March 2025.
- Marilyn Head, ABC Science Online, Maori plants richest in antioxidants, accessed 2 March 2025.
Wikidata ☰ Q5242762 entry
 |  |
