Native seed catalogue

Syzygium maire Swamp maire | Maire tawake

This guide is based on a literature review. It compiles information from various sources. Different sources may offer varying advice and findings.

Other known names

Waiwaka.

Propagation summary

Good seed viability and germination. Variability in seed quality and germination rates reported with long-term storage. Can be grown from cuttings.

Seed propagation category

Easy.

Geographical distribution

Located in the more temperate regions of New Zealand in coastal or lowland riparian forests.(1)

Seed collection

Seeds mature between March–July.(2)

Seed storage

Sensitive to desiccation (extreme dryness).(1), (3) Freshly collected fruit stored in an airtight container with 2 parts vermiculite at 5°C remained viable for up to 12 weeks.(4) No germination when seed moisture was below 20%.(3) Seeds do not store well.(2)

Seed dormancy

12 to 14 days to first germination.(4)

Pre-sowing treatments

Needs de-pulping (removal of seed from fruit) to increase germination rate.(4), (5)

Seed viability

Seed viability rate between 89–100%(4). Another study reported a rate of 95%.(5)

Germination

Germination rate between 93–98%.(4), (3)

Propagation techniques

Can be propagated by softwood cuttings. Root development increased by 75% when using indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (1.5 g/L) treatment.(5) Seeds germinate better at temperatures between 15–25°C with a 16-hour dark and 8-hour light cycle.(4)

Susceptibility to disease and pests

Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii).(4)

Research opportunities

Seed storage and vegetative propagation need further investigation.

Information about the native seed profiles

All species names are in the following order: scientific name, common name, and Māori name. Names may vary by region. We have tried to use the most common names across New Zealand.

We have sourced photos from different websites and creators. We have used the images under different licences. These include Public Domain and Creative Commons licenses. For Syzygium maire, the image details are:

The basis for each seed profile is a literature review carried out by Scion. Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service commissioned and worked on the review to produce a native seed catalogue. The full seed catalogue is on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website.

Native afforestation research programme: Seed propagation catalogue

References

1.

Van der Walt, K; Nadarajan, J; Mathew, L; Bettoni, J C; Souza, J A (2023) Advances in cryopreservation of Syzygium maire (swamp maire, maire tawake) zygotic embryos, a critically endangered tree species endemic to New Zealand. Frontiers in Conservation Science 4, 1–14.

2.

Metcalf, L J (1995) The propagation of New Zealand native plants. Godwit; Auckland, New Zealand.

3.

Nadarajan, J; van der Walt, K; Lehnebach, C.A; Saeiahagh, H; Pathirana, R (2021) Integrated ex situ conservation strategies for endangered New Zealand Myrtaceae species. New Zealand Journal of Botany 59(1), 72–89.

4.

Bettoni, J C; Van der Walt, K; Souza, J A; McLachlan, A; Nadarajan, J (2024) Seed development, germination, and storage behaviour of Syzygium maire (Myrtaceae), a threatened endemic New Zealand tree. New Zealand Journal of Botany 62(1), 35–52.

5.

Bettoni, J C; van der Walt, K; Souza, J A; McLachlan, A; Nadarajan, J (2023) Sexual and asexual propagation of Syzygium maire, a critically endangered Myrtaceae species of New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany 62(1), 35–52.

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