Titoki

Scientific name: Alectryon excelsus
English name: New Zealand ash

Tree (10m - 15m) - native to the Wellington Region
Suits: damp, dry, partial shade, sunny, shelter, exposure, coastal forest garden

About Titoki

An attractive tree with a smooth grey to almost sometimes black slender trunk and a broad crown. Most attractive however are its distinctive fruit. Taking a year to ripe and expanding from a furry brown capsule, splitting in the middle is a black shiny seed. This seed is partly enclosed by a bright red fleshy fruit looking like a raspberry or a brain. A tree in full fruiting is a striking sight and fruit is eaten by native birds.

Leafs are often dark green to olive in coloration and matt when mature. Sexes are in individual trees, however some are bisexual. Flowers are small and ranging from pink to dark red. Grows quickly in suitable conditions and is often associated with tawa or kohekohe or both. A popular street tree.

Provides for birds