Red Manjack: A Tropical Tree with Limited Native Appeal
If you’re drawn to tropical trees with glossy foliage and colorful berries, you might have come across the red manjack (Cordia collococca). This Caribbean native has found its way into some warm-climate gardens, but before you fall for its tropical charm, let’s explore whether this tree deserves a spot in your landscape.
What is Red Manjack?
Red manjack is a perennial tree that typically grows as a single-stemmed woody plant reaching heights of 13-16 feet or more. Like many tropical trees, it can sometimes develop multiple stems or stay shorter depending on growing conditions. This member of the borage family produces small, fragrant white to cream-colored flowers followed by distinctive orange to red berries that give the tree its common name.
Where Does Red Manjack Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Red manjack is truly native only to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s been introduced to Hawaii, where it’s considered probably non-native. For gardeners in the continental United States, this means red manjack isn’t supporting local ecosystems the way a truly native tree would.
Currently, you’ll find red manjack growing in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
The Appeal Factor
Red manjack does have some attractive qualities that might catch a gardener’s eye:
- Glossy, dark green leaves that create nice texture
- Small, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators like bees
- Colorful berries that provide visual interest
- Relatively compact size for urban landscapes
Growing Conditions and Care
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 10-11 and are considering red manjack, here’s what you need to know about its growing requirements:
Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential; avoid waterlogged conditions
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular watering during dry spells
Maintenance: Generally low-maintenance, though occasional pruning helps maintain shape
The Native Gardening Perspective
While red manjack isn’t aggressively invasive, it also isn’t contributing to local wildlife food webs or supporting native pollinators in the same way indigenous plants do. If you’re passionate about native gardening and live outside of Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, you might want to consider regional alternatives.
For tropical and subtropical gardens in zones 10-11, look into native alternatives like:
- Native Cordia species specific to your region
- Regional native trees with similar growth habits and berry production
- Local native trees that support native birds and pollinators
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
Red manjack does offer some wildlife value through its flowers and berries. The small, fragrant blooms attract bees and other pollinators, while the colorful berries can provide food for birds. However, these benefits are likely greater in its native Caribbean range where local wildlife species have evolved alongside the plant.
Should You Plant Red Manjack?
The answer depends on your gardening goals and location. If you live in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, red manjack can be a wonderful addition to your native landscape. For gardeners in Hawaii or other tropical locations, it’s not necessarily harmful, but it’s worth considering whether a truly native alternative might serve your landscape—and local ecosystem—better.
Red manjack can work well in tropical gardens, coastal landscapes, and as a specimen tree where space is limited. Just remember that choosing native plants whenever possible helps support local wildlife and creates more resilient, regionally appropriate landscapes.
If you do decide to plant red manjack, ensure you’re in the right climate zone (10-11), provide well-draining soil, and be prepared for a tree that will need minimal care once established. And who knows? You might discover some fantastic native alternatives along the way that offer even more benefits to your local ecosystem.
