Growing Dekemerir: A Beautiful Pacific Island Native Tree
If you’re lucky enough to live in a tropical climate and are searching for a stunning native tree to add to your landscape, let me introduce you to the dekemerir (Elaeocarpus rubidus). This gorgeous Pacific island native might not be a household name, but it’s definitely worth getting to know if you’re gardening in the right climate zone.
What is Dekemerir?
Dekemerir is a perennial tree that’s native to the Pacific Basin, specifically found growing naturally in Guam and Palau. Like most trees, it’s a woody plant with a single trunk that typically grows taller than 13 to 16 feet, though under certain conditions it might develop multiple stems or stay shorter than usual.
This tree is part of the Elaeocarpus family, and while it might not be as well-known as some other tropical trees, it brings its own unique charm to any landscape lucky enough to host it.
Why Consider Growing Dekemerir?
There are several compelling reasons why this Pacific island native deserves a spot in your tropical garden:
- Native benefits: Since it’s indigenous to Pacific islands, it’s naturally adapted to the local climate and conditions
- Attractive appearance: Features glossy green foliage and produces small, delicate flowers that develop into colorful blue drupes
- Pollinator friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden
- Landscape versatility: Works well as both a shade tree and specimen plant in tropical designs
Where Does Dekemerir Grow Best?
Here’s the thing about dekemerir – it’s pretty particular about where it wants to live. This tree is only suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-11, which means you’ll need a consistently warm, tropical climate to grow it successfully.
The ideal growing conditions include:
- Well-draining soil (it doesn’t like wet feet!)
- Partial to full sun exposure
- High humidity levels
- Protection from strong winds
- Consistent warm temperatures year-round
Planting and Care Tips
If you’re in the right climate zone and ready to add dekemerir to your landscape, here’s what you need to know:
Planting: Choose a location with good drainage and adequate space for the tree to reach its mature size. Remember, this tree can grow quite tall, so plan accordingly and keep it away from power lines or structures.
Watering: Provide regular water, especially during establishment, but avoid overwatering. The soil should be moist but never waterlogged.
Maintenance: Occasional pruning may be needed to maintain shape or remove damaged branches. This tree generally doesn’t require intensive care once established.
Is Dekemerir Right for Your Garden?
Dekemerir is an excellent choice if you’re gardening in tropical zones 10-11 and want to incorporate native plants into your landscape. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Tropical and subtropical garden designs
- Properties where you want to attract pollinators
- Landscapes that need a medium to large shade tree
- Gardens focused on native Pacific island plants
However, if you’re gardening outside of zones 10-11, this tree simply won’t survive your climate. In that case, consider researching native trees appropriate for your specific region.
The Bottom Line
Dekemerir is a beautiful native option for tropical gardeners who want to support local ecosystems while adding an attractive tree to their landscape. While it’s not suitable for most of the continental United States, if you’re gardening in the right Pacific island locations, this tree offers both beauty and ecological benefits that make it worth considering for your next planting project.
