Botanical name:

Alectryon grandis

Common name(s):

Three Kings tītoki

About:

A. grandis is a species that is unique and endemic to the beautiful Three Kings Islands. It is generally a smaller tree compared to the more widely known tītoki (A. excelsus) but stands out due to its larger, striking leaves. This species is well-suited for coastal planting and thrives exceptionally well in exposed conditions, showcasing its resilience and adaptability to the environment.

Natural habitat:

Coastal Forest, where it often grows prominently along the more exposed margins, plays a significant role in the ecosystem. Occasionally, it is also found as a subcanopy tree within the dense and lush kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) forest that predominantly dominates the landscapes of the Three Kings Islands.

Growing environment:

Shade, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Found only on New Zealand’s Three Kings Archipelago, where it is known from Great (Manawa Tawhi) and West Islands.

Height: 3m

Flowering:

October to December with a red/pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December to April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Fresh seed germinates readily. However, as most seed comes from trees planted nearby titoki (A. excelsus) so it is difficult to obtain pure seed, and many plants sold by nurseries are F1 hybrids.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.