Summit Colicwood: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting in Your Garden
If you’re passionate about Hawaiian native plants and conservation gardening, summit colicwood (Myrsine degeneri) might just capture your heart. This endemic Hawaiian tree is as special as it is rare, making it a meaningful addition to the right garden – when sourced responsibly, of course.
What Makes Summit Colicwood Special
Summit colicwood is a perennial tree that’s found nowhere else in the world except Hawaii. As its common name suggests, this native beauty thrives in the higher elevations of the Hawaiian islands, where it plays an important role in montane forest ecosystems. This tree typically grows as a single-stemmed specimen reaching heights of 13 to 16 feet or more, though environmental conditions can sometimes create shorter, multi-stemmed forms.
Where You’ll Find Summit Colicwood
This endemic species calls only Hawaii home, growing naturally in the state’s montane forests. You won’t find summit colicwood growing wild anywhere else on Earth, which makes it truly special for Hawaiian gardeners and conservationists.
Important Conservation Note
Before you get too excited about adding summit colicwood to your garden, there’s something crucial to know: this species has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered vulnerable. With typically only 21 to 100 occurrences and between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals remaining, summit colicwood faces real conservation challenges.
If you’re interested in growing this rare native, please only source plants from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their stock responsibly. Never collect from wild populations – every wild specimen is precious for the species’ survival.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
Summit colicwood brings authentic Hawaiian character to native plant gardens and restoration projects. Its simple, attractive foliage and small flowers (which can range from white to pinkish) offer understated beauty that fits perfectly into naturalistic Hawaiian landscapes. The tree also produces small dark berries that add seasonal interest.
This species works wonderfully as:
- A specimen tree in native Hawaiian gardens
- Part of forest restoration projects
- An educational plant for conservation-minded landscapes
- A conversation starter about Hawaiian biodiversity
Growing Conditions and Care
Summit colicwood has adapted to Hawaii’s montane forest conditions, so replicating these environments will give you the best success:
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 10-11 (tropical and subtropical conditions)
- Elevation: Prefers higher elevations similar to its native habitat
- Soil: Well-draining soils are essential
- Light: Adaptable to partial shade through full sun
- Water: Moderate watering needs
- Wind protection: Benefits from protection against strong winds
Wetland Flexibility
One interesting characteristic of summit colicwood is its facultative wetland status in Hawaii, meaning it can adapt to both wetland and non-wetland conditions. This flexibility can be helpful in landscape design, though it’s always best to mimic the plant’s natural growing conditions when possible.
Supporting Hawaiian Ecosystems
When summit colicwood flowers, it likely provides nectar and pollen for native Hawaiian insects, though specific pollinator relationships need more research. By growing this native species, you’re supporting the complex web of relationships that make Hawaiian ecosystems unique.
The Bottom Line
Summit colicwood represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. If you can source this rare native responsibly and provide appropriate growing conditions, you’ll be supporting conservation efforts while adding an authentic piece of Hawaiian natural heritage to your landscape. Just remember – with great rarity comes great responsibility to source ethically and grow thoughtfully.
For Hawaiian gardeners committed to native plants and conservation, summit colicwood offers a chance to be part of preserving Hawaii’s unique botanical legacy, one garden at a time.
