Tītoki

Botanical name: Alectryon excelsus subsp. excelsus

Common name(s): Tītoki, New Zealand Ash, New Zealand Oak

Plant facts:

Tītoki is an elegant native coastal and lowland tree recognised for its glossy pinnate foliage, spreading canopy, and striking red and black fruits. It is a widespread and highly adaptable species valued in native restoration, street planting, and ornamental landscapes. Mature trees develop dark, fluted trunks and broad branching crowns that provide excellent shade and habitat.

Natural habitat:

Common in coastal and lowland forest, river terraces, alluvial flats, volcanic soils and forest margins. Frequently occurs along riverbanks and in fertile, well-drained forest soils.

Growing environment:

Sun, Partial shade, Wind, Coastal & Well drained soil tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to New Zealand from Te Paki south to Banks Peninsula.

Height:

Typically 10–20 m tall

Flowering:

Produces clusters of small crimson to reddish flowers in branched sprays.

Flowering period:
October – December (occasionally extending longer)

Fruiting:

Hairy brown capsules split open to reveal glossy black seeds partly surrounded by bright scarlet fleshy arils.

Fruiting period:
November – August

Uses:

• Coastal and lowland restoration planting
• Street and specimen tree
• Shade tree
• Bird attracting species
• Cultural and traditional Māori uses
• Shelter and riparian planting
• Ornamental foliage and fruit display

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A medium-sized spreading tree with stout branches and a rounded crown. Mature specimens often develop dark, ridged or fluted trunks.

Leaves:
Leaves are alternate and pinnate with 3–7 pairs of glossy dark green leaflets. Juvenile foliage is more toothed, while adult leaves usually have smooth or slightly serrated margins.

Flowers:
Small red to crimson flowers carried in branched panicles. Flowers may be bisexual or male.

Fruit:
One of the most distinctive features of the species. The woody brown capsules split apart to expose vivid scarlet fleshy tissue surrounding shiny black seeds. Highly attractive to native birds.

Ecology:

The brightly coloured seeds are dispersed by birds including kererū, tūī and kōkako. Tītoki is an important food source and habitat tree within coastal and lowland forest ecosystems.

Cultural significance:

Tītoki held significant traditional value for Māori. The seeds were processed to extract hinu tītoki, a prized oil used for hair care, perfumes, massage and traditional medicine. The strong flexible timber was also valued for tools, wheels and crafted items.

How to grow:

Very easy from fresh seed. Germination is generally reliable when seed is sown fresh after cleaning the fleshy aril. Tītoki grows quickly in fertile, free-draining soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade.

Once established it is hardy, drought tolerant and well suited to urban and coastal environments. Because birds readily disperse seed, young seedlings often appear naturally beneath mature trees.