Candletree: A Majestic Native Giant for Tropical Gardens
If you’re looking for a truly impressive native tree to anchor your tropical landscape, the candletree (Dacryodes excelsa) might just be the showstopper you’ve been dreaming of. This Puerto Rican endemic is not your typical backyard tree – it’s a commitment that will reward patient gardeners with decades of natural grandeur.
Meet the Candletree
The candletree is a perennial woody giant that can reach an absolutely stunning 115 feet at maturity. Don’t let that number scare you though – this slow-growing beauty takes its sweet time, reaching about 28 feet after 20 years. With its single trunk and dense, fine-textured green foliage, it creates an elegant, erect silhouette that commands attention in any landscape.
Where Does It Call Home?
This remarkable tree is native exclusively to Puerto Rico, where it graces the island’s mountainous rainforests with its presence. As a true Puerto Rican endemic, planting candletree in appropriate climates helps preserve this unique piece of Caribbean biodiversity.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important to consider: candletree has a conservation status that suggests it may face some challenges in the wild. If you’re lucky enough to find this tree available, make sure you’re sourcing it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation programs. By growing it thoughtfully, you’re actually helping preserve a piece of Puerto Rico’s natural heritage.
Is Candletree Right for Your Garden?
Let’s be honest – candletree isn’t for everyone or every space. This tree has some pretty specific needs and characteristics that make it perfect for certain situations and challenging for others.
Perfect For:
- Large tropical properties with plenty of vertical space
- Botanical gardens and conservation landscapes
- Estate gardens in USDA zones 11-12
- Gardeners passionate about native Puerto Rican plants
- Long-term landscape projects where slow growth isn’t an issue
Maybe Not Right If:
- You live outside the tropics (this tree needs year-round warmth)
- You want quick results (remember, it’s a slow grower)
- Your space is limited (115 feet is seriously tall!)
- You can’t provide consistently moist, acidic conditions
Growing Candletree Successfully
If you’ve decided to take on the rewarding challenge of growing candletree, here’s what you need to know to keep it happy:
Climate Requirements
- USDA hardiness zones 11-12 only
- Minimum temperature of 50°F year-round
- High humidity and consistent moisture
- Annual rainfall between 79-160 inches
Soil Preferences
- Acidic soil with pH between 4.5-5.5
- Fine-textured soils that retain moisture but drain well
- Rich, organic content similar to forest floor conditions
- Good root depth capacity (minimum 42 inches)
Planting and Care Tips
- Choose a location with intermediate shade when young, more sun as it matures
- Plant during the rainy season for best establishment
- Water consistently – drought tolerance is low
- Mulch heavily to maintain soil moisture and acidity
- Be patient! This tree rewards long-term thinking
- Protect from strong winds when young
Propagation Options
Getting your hands on candletree can be challenging since commercial availability is limited. However, if you do find a source, you have several propagation options including seeds, cuttings, or container plants. Seeds are typically available in low quantities during summer and fall.
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
While candletree produces small, greenish flowers in early summer that aren’t particularly showy, they do support native pollinators during their bloom period. The tree’s dense canopy provides excellent habitat for birds and other wildlife, making it a valuable addition to any conservation-minded landscape.
The Bottom Line
Candletree is definitely a specialty plant for dedicated tropical gardeners who have the space, patience, and proper growing conditions. It’s not going to give you instant gratification, but for those who can provide what it needs, this native Puerto Rican giant offers the chance to grow something truly special and help preserve a unique piece of Caribbean natural heritage.
If you’re in the right climate zone and have the space for a future forest giant, candletree could be the perfect long-term investment for your landscape. Just remember to source it responsibly and be prepared for the long, rewarding journey of watching it slowly transform your garden into something truly magnificent.
