Alectryon excelsus – Titoki

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as Titoki, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree with glossy, dark green foliage and bronze-toned new growth. It forms a rounded canopy and produces small flowers followed by decorative black seeds with bright red arils. Its combination of structure, native resilience, and year-round interest makes it a reliable choice for both urban and natural landscapes.

Alectryon excelsus (Titoki) in NZ

Titoki is well adapted to New Zealand conditions, handling wind, coastal exposure, and a range of soil types once established. Alectryon excelsus grows best in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited to street planting, parks, lifestyle blocks, and native planting schemes. As a NZ native, it supports local biodiversity while also providing a tidy, shade-forming tree for residential and commercial use.

Alectryon excelsus size, spacing, and growth rate

Titoki typically reaches around 8–12m tall and 5–8m wide within 10 years, forming a broad, rounded canopy. It has a moderate growth rate and establishes well in open conditions. Allow space from buildings and boundaries to accommodate its mature spread, particularly when used as a shade or street tree.