Alectryon excelsus subsp. excelsus
The wonderful feature of this tree is its bright red and black fruit which ripens about the same time as the next seasons flowers appear.
Although reasonably hardy it may get damaged by frost in Christchurch as this is about its southern most limit. Given reasonable protection from frosts until it is 2m high it might survive on the flat. However in frost free areas of Christchurch and on the Port Hills it should get away nicely.
It grows into a handsome tree up to 6 m high and is attractive all year round. The branchlets, leaves flower stems and seed capsules are all covered in a silky light reddish brown pubescence. The leaves may be up to 30cm long but they are divided up into 4 to 6 leaflets each of which can be up to 5cm long and 2 cm wide. The light green colour coupled with the pubescence make them very attractive.
The fruit is the main feature when ripe as the capsule splits revealing a shining black seed sitting in a bright red fleshy cup surrounded by the reddish brown pubescence. They will sit on the tree for some time.
It is best grown in good soil and it does not like exposed positions. It needs a reason able amount of room to grow and develop into is round headed form. It is an ideal tree for a small garden, or as a feature. It is occasionally planted in groups and used as a landscaping tree.
The timber is straight grained, light reddish in colour and easily worked. It is strong and elastic but it is not durable. It has been used to make bullock yokes, tool handles and coachbuilding.
The Titoki, Alectryon excelsus, is a native tree found growing naturally in the coastal and lowland forests of both the north and South Islands from North Cape to Banks Peninsula and a little further south on the West Coast.
Although reasonably hardy it may get damaged by frost in Christchurch as this is about its southern most limit. Given reasonable protection from frosts until it is 2m high it might survive on the flat. However in frost free areas of Christchurch and on the Port Hills it should get away nicely.
It grows into a handsome tree up to 6 m high and is attractive all year round. The branchlets, leaves flower stems and seed capsules are all covered in a silky light reddish brown pubescence. The leaves may be up to 30cm long but they are divided up into 4 to 6 leaflets each of which can be up to 5cm long and 2 cm wide. The light green colour coupled with the pubescence make them very attractive.
The fruit is the main feature when ripe as the capsule splits revealing a shining black seed sitting in a bright red fleshy cup surrounded by the reddish brown pubescence. They will sit on the tree for some time.
It is best grown in good soil and it does not like exposed positions. It needs a reason able amount of room to grow and develop into is round headed form. It is an ideal tree for a small garden, or as a feature. It is occasionally planted in groups and used as a landscaping tree.
The timber is straight grained, light reddish in colour and easily worked. It is strong and elastic but it is not durable. It has been used to make bullock yokes, tool handles and coachbuilding.
The Titoki, Alectryon excelsus, is a native tree found growing naturally in the coastal and lowland forests of both the north and South Islands from North Cape to Banks Peninsula and a little further south on the West Coast.