| Alectryon excelsa titoki |
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Alectryon excelsus
Titoki
Titoki is an attractive tree reaching 10–15 m tall with a trunk up to 60
cm in diameter and a slightly roughened bark that is nearly black. The
compound leaves may be 10–40 cm long, each with four to six pairs of leaflets, which may be 5–10 cm long by 2–5 cm wide. Tiny flowers are borne in panicles.
The fruit is enclosed in a brown, furry capsule on a red fleshy base. When ripe in spring, the capsule splits open to reveal the hard black, lustrous seed.
With its gracefully shaped leaves and attractive form it makes the perfect ornamental tree. There are some beautiful titoki planted as specimen trees in many northern towns.
The seed is produced in early summer and is classed as recalcitrant. Sow on collection and do not allow to dry out. Germination began 3 weeks after sowing.
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If you wish to find out more about New Zealand native plants then buy my book. "Plant Heritage New Zealand" Interpreting the special features of New Zealand native plants.
Plant Heritage New Zealand by Tony Foster. Available in all good book outlets from September 2008.
Check it out from here
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