Alectryon excelsus

Tītoki
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Sapindaceae
Genus:	Alectryon
Species:	A. excelsus
Binomial name
Alectryon excelsus Gaertn.

Tītoki (Alectryon excelsus), is a shiny-leaved tree native to New Zealand, where it occurs in coastal and lowland forests. The flowering is in spring and the seeds take up to a year to mature. The colourful seed is initially contained in a hairy woody capsule which splits revealing bright red and black edible fruit (the black portion being the seed).

The red and black fruit of the Tītoki

In common with most New Zealand native trees, the Māori name is now preferred for English use. It was formerly known as the 'New Zealand Ash'.

External links

• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network, URL:Alectryon excelsus. Accessed 11 May 2007.

References

• Metcalf, Laurie, 2002. A Photographic Guide to Trees of New Zealand. Auckland: New Holland.
• Salmon, J.T., 1986. The Native Trees of New Zealand. Wellington: Heinneman Reed.