tītoki

Alectryon excelsus subsp. excelsus | New Zealand ash, tītoki

 

Tītoki is a native evergreen tree with its glossy green foliage is complemented by sprays of woolly, rust-colored flowers in summer.  With its spreading habit, tītoki provides excellent shade, making it a popular choice as a specimen, avenue tree, or even a large hedge or screen due to its tolerance of trimming.   The tree's attractive,  mid-green pinnate leaves often have serrated edges, and its new growth emerges with a paler, reddish tinge.  Scarlet seed capsules split open to reveal shiny black seeds, adding to its visual appeal.  Tītoki thrives in semi-sheltered, sunny positions with humus-rich, free-draining soil. It is a hardy tree that makes a fantastic sheltered avenue tree.