Maricao: A Mysterious Puerto Rican Native Worth Discovering
Meet maricao (Scolosanthus portoricensis), one of Puerto Rico’s lesser-known native shrubs that’s as intriguing as it is elusive. If you’re drawn to rare and unique plants with a story to tell, this perennial shrub might just capture your imagination – though growing it successfully comes with its own set of challenges.
What is Maricao?
Maricao is a perennial, multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically stays under 13-16 feet tall. Like many shrubs, it usually develops several stems from ground level, creating a full, bushy appearance. This Puerto Rican endemic belongs to a small group of plants that call the island home and nowhere else on Earth.
You might occasionally see this plant referenced under the synonym Scolosanthus densiflorus, but Scolosanthus portoricensis is the accepted name.
Where Does Maricao Come From?
This shrub is native exclusively to Puerto Rico, making it a true island endemic. It’s found nowhere else in the world naturally, which adds to both its appeal and its conservation importance.
Should You Plant Maricao in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While maricao has the appeal of being a unique Puerto Rican native, there’s remarkably little information available about its growing requirements, appearance, or garden performance. This lack of information suggests a few possibilities:
- It may be quite rare in the wild
- It hasn’t been widely cultivated or studied horticulturally
- It may have very specific growing requirements that make cultivation challenging
If you’re gardening in Puerto Rico or similar tropical climates (likely USDA zones 10-11), maricao could be an interesting addition to a native plant collection. However, proceed with caution and responsibility.
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for maricao remain largely unknown. Based on its Puerto Rican origins, we can make some educated guesses:
- Likely prefers warm, tropical conditions year-round
- May need protection from cold temperatures
- Probably requires well-draining soil
- Could benefit from partial shade, as many tropical understory shrubs do
Without more specific information about its natural habitat preferences, successful cultivation would require experimentation and careful observation.
A Word of Caution
Given the limited information available about this species and its restricted native range, maricao may be rare or uncommon. If you’re interested in growing this plant, it’s crucial to:
- Only source plants or seeds from reputable, ethical suppliers
- Never collect from wild populations
- Consider supporting conservation efforts for Puerto Rican native plants
- Connect with local botanical gardens or native plant societies for guidance
The Bottom Line
Maricao represents the kind of botanical mystery that makes native plant gardening so fascinating. While we’d love to give you a complete growing guide, the reality is that this Puerto Rican endemic needs more research and documentation before it can become a mainstream garden plant.
If you’re an experienced gardener in a suitable climate with a passion for rare natives, maricao might be worth pursuing – but approach it as a research project rather than a sure thing. And remember, there are many other well-documented Puerto Rican natives that might be better starting points for your tropical native garden.
Sometimes the most interesting plants are the ones that keep a few secrets, and maricao certainly fits that description!
