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 (especially native pigeon and tui). It can tolerate light frosts once established and makes for an excellent shade tree and street tree due to its manageable size and lush look. It thrives in warm, sheltered sites with moist, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun or part shade. 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.