Alectryon excelsus subsp. excelsus

An upright-grower with a rounded head. New leaves are a mix of orange and rose-pink, maturing to glossy, olive-green, pinnate leaves. Shiny black seeds emerge from scarlet arils (an outgrowth that covers the seed) during summer. Attractive to seed-eating birds. Tolerates light frosts once established. Great shade tree. Excellent street tree. Prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Native

Evergreen

Tolerates windy sites

Tolerates light frosts

Clay soils

Full sun

Part shade

Street

Attracts birds

Paddocks

Shade

Topiary

Family: Sapindaceae, soapberry family, a family of flowering plants.

Genus: Alectryon, alectryon, derived from the Greek noun ἀλεκτρυών (alektruṓn, also ἀλέκτωρ [aléktōr], 'rooster'), in reference to the appearance of the aril covering the seed which looks like a rooster's cockscomb (comb). A genus of trees and shrubs.

Species: Alectryon excelsus, excelsus (Latin, adjective), meaning 'elevated, lofty, tall', in reference to the height of the species.

Subspecies: Alectryon excelsus subsp. excelsus, excelsus (Latin, adjective), meaning 'elevated, lofty, tall', in reference to the height of the species.

Common Name: Tītoki

Other Common Name(s): New Zealand Oak

Description: An upright-grower with a rounded head. New leaves are a mix of orange and rose-pink, maturing to glossy, olive-green, pinnate leaves. Shiny black seeds emerge from scarlet arils (an outgrowth that covers the seed) during summer. Attractive to seed-eating birds. Tolerates light frosts once established. Great shade tree. Excellent street tree. Prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Height: 7m

Width: 6m

Uses: Street, Attracts birds, Paddocks, Shade, Topiary

Tolerates: Windy, Light frosts

Soil Type: Clay soils

Sun and Shade: Full sun, Part shade

Winter Foliage: Evergreen

Origin: Native

Foliage:

• Summer: Green

• Autumn: Green

• Winter: Green

• Spring: Orange, Pink

Fruit:

• Summer: Red

• Autumn: None

• Winter: None

• Spring: None