Titoki For Sale

Best Titoki in NZ!

Growing NZ natives such as Titoki delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees.
• Titoki have attractive foliage that can range in colour from light to dark green.
• They have clusters of fragrant, white flowers in the spring and summer.
• Titoki produce edible fruit that is popular with birds and other wildlife.
• They can provide great shade, making them an excellent choice for planting in bright areas.
• Titoki can be used to create a windbreak and screening.
• It helps to preserve New Zealand’s species and biodiversity.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

From large Titoki trees to small ones, we’ll help you find the right sized tree for your space. Our Alectryon excelsus have been eco-sourced and absolutely thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Titoki, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Titoki Questions

1. Where can I grow Titoki?

Titoki can be grown in most parts of New Zealand, but they prefer warm climates. They are grown throughout the North Island, and in warmer areas of the South Island. They do require a well-drained soil and a full sun position to do well. Protection from wind and regular watering after planting will help to establish the tree quicker and result in a better formed tree.

2. What is the best way to propagate Titoki?

The best way to start growing titoki in NZ is from seed and here are some brief instructions on how to do this:

• Start with fresh seeds that have matured.
• Sow the seeds in spring or summer into a tray of seedling growing media. The seeds should be planted just below the surface. Make sure the media doesn’t dry out and is kept warm.
• The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
• Once the seedlings have emerged, transplant them into individual pots.
• Grow the seedlings on until they are large enough to plant out into the garden or to repot into larger pots.

3. How long does it take for a titoki tree to grow?

Titoki trees are relatively fast-growing and can reach a height of 10-15 metres within 10 years.

4. What care does a Titoki tree need?

Titoki trees are relatively low-maintenance plants. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your tree thrives:

• Titoki trees need regular watering, especially when they are young. Once established, they can tolerate dry periods.
• Feed Titoki in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Titoki trees can be pruned to shape and maintain size. This is best done in late winter or early spring.
• Staking younger trees to minimse wind damage and help produce a straighter tree.

5. What are the species of Titoki grown in NZ?

There are two species of Titoki grown in NZ:

• Alectryon excelsus (Titoki): The most common species of titoki tree. It is a medium-sized tree with glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of white flowers.
• Alectryon grandis (Broadleaf Titoki): A larger species of titoki tree with broad, dark green leaves and clusters of white flowers.

6. Are Titoki fast growing?

Titoki are relatively fast-growing. They can reach a height of 10-15 metres within 10 years. However, it is important to note that the growth rate can be affected by the climate, soil conditions, and water availability. They prefer warm climates and a well-drained soil. They also need regular watering, especially when they are young. If you are growing.

7. Is Titoki native to New Zealand?

Titoki (Alectryon excelsus) is native to New Zealand. It is a medium-sized tree that is found in lowland forests throughout the North Island and in sunny spots in the northern part of the South Island. Titoki trees are known for their attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and edible fruit.

8. What is the significance of Titoki?

Titoki trees have played an important role in Maori culture for centuries. The wood is strong and durable, and it was traditionally used to make tools, weapons, and canoes. The fruit of the titoki tree attract birds and it a popular food source for them.

Today, titoki trees are a popular choice for home gardens and public spaces. They are relatively easy to care for and they offer benefits such as attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, edible fruit, shade, wind protection, and privacy.

If you are looking for a native New Zealand tree to add to your garden, be sure to buy titoki from The Plant Company.

9. Can you eat Titoki berries?

The answer to whether you can eat Titoki berries is not straightforward. Here's what you need to know:

Some sources consider them edible:

• Historically, Maori children ate the fleshy part of the berry, although it was described as having a very bitter taste and doubtful nutritional value.
• Some describe the taste as slightly acidic and rough, exciting saliva.
• The oil extracted from the seed has been used for various purposes, including as a food source.

However, other sources consider them poisonous:

• The fruit contains cyanogenic oil, which can release cyanide when ingested. This can lead to poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and even death in severe cases.
• Native birds can safely eat the berries because they have a different digestive system and can detoxify the cyanogenic oil.

Therefore, it is generally recommended not to eat Titoki berries. While some historical accounts and descriptions suggest they might be edible in small amounts, the potential for poisoning is too high.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• If you do choose to eat Titoki berries, it is important to only eat a small amount and to remove the seeds, which contain the highest concentration of cyanogenic oil.
• You should also be aware of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of them.
• There are many other safe and delicious fruits to enjoy, so it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid Titoki berries.

10. How far apart do you plant Titoki hedges?

The spacing for planting Titoki hedges depends on a few things but they are usually planted 60 to 100 cm apart. This spacing will, however, depend on the following:

Desired mature hedge height:

• For a low hedge (around 1-2 meters), you can plant Titokis 60 cm apart.
• For a medium hedge (around 2-3 meters), space them 75 cm apart.
• For a tall hedge (over 3 meters), plant them 1 metre apart.

Desired density and growth rate:

• Closer spacing will result in a denser hedge that fills in faster. The plants will compete with each other for light, which causes them to grow up quickly rather than becoming broader.

Pot size and height of purchased plants:

• If you are planting Titokis in smaller pots (2.5L pot size) that are also shorter in height, you should space them closer than larger plants. If you are planting Titokis in larger pots (25L or more) with well-developed root balls and as tall plants, you can space them much further apart (around two metres apart).

11. Is Titoki an evergreen?

Titoki (Alectryon excelsus) is an evergreen tree. This means it retains its green foliage throughout the year, even during the colder months.

12. What are the identifying features of Alectryon excelsus?

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as Titoki, has several distinctive features that make it easily identifiable. Here are some of the key characteristics:

Overall:

• Size: Small tree reaching up to 9 metres (30 feet) in height, with a spreading and often irregular canopy.
• Growth habit: Multi-branched with a fluted trunk and smooth, dark brown bark.

Leaves:

• Type: Pinnate, meaning the leaflets are arranged along a central axis.
• Number of leaflets: 3-7 pairs of leaflets per leaf.
• Leaflet shape: Oval to lanceolate, with smooth margins and a slightly pointed tip.
• Leaf colour: Glossy dark green on the upper surface, with a paler green underside.

Flowers:

• Colour: Red
• Size: Small, clustered in sprays.
• Flowering time: Late spring to summer.

Fruit:

• Type: Fleshy capsule, initially hairy and brown, splitting open to reveal a bright red aril (fleshy covering) surrounding a black seed.
• Size: Around 2 cm (0.8 inches) in diameter.
• Maturity time: Autumn to winter.

Additional identifying features:

• Smooth bark with distinctive horizontal markings.
• Twigs often have a zigzag appearance.
• Leaves emit a faint, unpleasant odor when crushed.
• Birds, particularly kereru (New Zealand wood pigeons), feed on the fleshy red fruit.

13. What is Alectryon excelsus used for?

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as Titoki, has various uses, including:

Ornamental:

• Titoki is a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive foliage, dense growth habit, and tolerance for a variety of soil conditions.
• It can be used as a specimen tree, planted in groups, or grown as a hedge for privacy and screening.
• The red flowers and bright red fruit add a pop of colour to the landscape.

Ecological:

• Titoki plays an important role in the New Zealand ecosystem by providing habitat and food for native birds, insects, and other wildlife.
• The dense foliage helps to control soil erosion and protect waterways.
• The fruit is a valuable food source for birds, particularly kereru (New Zealand wood pigeons), which help to disperse the seeds.

Cultural:

• Titoki holds significant cultural importance for Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.
• The wood was traditionally used for carving tools, weapons, and other implements.
• The bark was used for medicinal purposes and to produce a red dye.
• The fruit was eaten by Maori children, although it was considered to have a bitter taste.

Other uses:

• The oil extracted from the seeds of Titoki has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes and as a food source.
• The wood is sometimes used for furniture and other woodworking projects.
• The fruit can be used to make wine and other alcoholic beverages.

It is important to note that while the seeds of Titoki contain a small amount of cyanide, the flesh of the fruit is safe to eat in small quantities. However, it is best to consume only the fleshy part and avoid the seeds.

14. What is the common name for Alectryon diversifolius?

Alectryon diversifolius has two common names:

• Scrub boonaree: This name is most commonly used in Australia.
• Holly bush: This name is less common but still used in some areas.