Shinglewood: A Caribbean Native Tree Worth Considering
If you’re gardening in the Caribbean and looking for native tree options, you might want to get acquainted with shinglewood (Nectandra hihua). This lesser-known native tree deserves a spot on your radar, especially if you’re passionate about supporting local ecosystems and creating authentic Caribbean landscapes.
What Is Shinglewood?
Shinglewood is a perennial tree native to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a member of the laurel family (Lauraceae), this woody plant typically grows with a single trunk and can reach impressive heights of over 13-16 feet, making it a substantial addition to any landscape. You might also see it listed under its synonyms Nectandra antillana or Ocotea globosa in some references.
Where Does Shinglewood Grow?
This tree is exclusively found in the Caribbean, specifically in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Its natural range makes it a perfect choice for gardeners in these regions who want to work with plants that are truly suited to their local environment.
Why Consider Planting Shinglewood?
There are several compelling reasons to consider this native tree:
- True native status: Supporting local flora helps maintain regional biodiversity
- Wetland adaptability: Shinglewood is classified as a facultative wetland plant, meaning it’s flexible about moisture conditions
- Substantial size: As a tree that can grow quite tall, it provides excellent canopy coverage and structure
- Caribbean authenticity: Perfect for creating landscapes that reflect the natural beauty of the region
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific cultivation information for shinglewood is limited in readily available sources, we can make some educated assumptions based on its native habitat and wetland status:
- Moisture: Given its facultative wetland status, this tree likely tolerates both wet and moderately dry conditions
- Climate: Naturally adapted to Caribbean tropical conditions
- Soil: Probably adaptable to various soil types, given its wetland flexibility
Landscape Role and Design Ideas
As a substantial tree species, shinglewood works well as:
- A canopy tree in native Caribbean gardens
- Part of restoration plantings
- A structural element in larger landscape designs
- Component of wetland or rain gardens due to its moisture tolerance
A Note on Information Availability
One challenge with shinglewood is the limited specific cultivation information readily available. This isn’t uncommon with native Caribbean species that haven’t been widely cultivated in mainstream horticulture. If you’re interested in growing this tree, consider:
- Contacting local botanical gardens or native plant societies
- Working with nurseries that specialize in Caribbean native plants
- Consulting with local extension services or forestry departments
The Bottom Line
Shinglewood represents an opportunity to include a true Caribbean native in your landscape. While we’d love to provide more specific growing details, the tree’s natural adaptability to both wetland and non-wetland conditions suggests it’s likely to be a fairly accommodating species. For gardeners in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands committed to native landscaping, shinglewood is definitely worth investigating further.
Remember, choosing native plants like shinglewood isn’t just about having an interesting tree – it’s about supporting the complex web of relationships between plants, wildlife, and the environment that makes the Caribbean ecosystem so unique and beautiful.
