Alectryon, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
Southeast Asia, Malesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific
Overview
Alectryon is a genus of about 30 evergreen trees and shrubs in the family Sapindaceae, ranging from Southeast Asia through Malesia and Australia to New Zealand and the Pacific islands. Plants reach 5-20 m (16-65 ft) depending on species and site, with spreading crowns and rough, grey-brown bark. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 2-12 leathery leaflets 3-15 cm (1.2-6 in) long, sometimes felted with rusty hairs beneath. Small greenish to reddish flowers without showy petals open in branched panicles, and many species are functionally dioecious or carry mixed flowers. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open to expose one or two glossy black seeds partly wrapped in a fleshy scarlet aril. Birds feed on the exposed arils and disperse the seed. Alectryon grows in coastal and lowland forest, on forest margins, and along streams, tolerating wind and salt-laden air near the sea. Most species are frost-sensitive, and growth slows on dry or shallow soils. Several species are grown as shelter and screening trees in mild coastal districts.
Native Range
Native from Southeast Asia and Malesia across Australia to New Zealand and the Pacific, including Hawaii, growing mainly in coastal and lowland forest.Suggested Uses
Grown as shade, shelter, and street trees in frost-free and coastal gardens, and clipped as screening in mild districts. The arils of some species, such as A. excelsus, have been used as a food and dye source.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height16'5" - 65'7"
Width/Spread13'1" - 32'10"
Bloom Information
Small greenish to reddish flowers open in spring to early summer in branched panicles. They carry no showy petals and are pollinated by insects. Capsules ripen months later, splitting in late summer and autumn to expose the scarlet-arilled seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
