Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus grows upright with a rounded head and produces a mix of orange and rose-pink new leaves that mature into glossy, olive-green, pinnate leaves. During the summer, it bears shiny black seeds that emerge from scarlet arils (an outgrowth that covers the seed), which are attractive to seed-eating birds. It can tolerate light frosts once established and makes for an excellent shade tree and street tree. Alectryon excelsus thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Alectryon excelsus is evergreen and native to New Zealand, in coastal and lowland forests throughout most of the North Island and from Banks Peninsula to central Westland in the South Island. Learn more about Alectryon excelsus.