Alectryon tomentosus
hairy alectryon
Overview
Alectryon tomentosus is an evergreen tree reaching 15-40 feet (5-12 m) tall and 10-20 feet (3-6 m) wide, with a spreading crown and young shoots densely coated in rusty-brown hairs. The leaves are pinnate, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long, with 4 to 8 leaflets, each 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, dark green above, hairy beneath, and edged with coarse teeth. Small greenish to cream flowers are borne in branched sprays among the leaves; male and female flowers usually occur on separate plants. Flowering occurs mainly in spring. The fruit is a hairy capsule that splits to show one or two glossy black seeds, each partly wrapped in a bright red, fleshy aril. The seeds with their red arils draw fruit-eating birds. Flowering and fruiting are followed by a flush of rusty new growth. The species grows in dry rainforest, vine scrub, and forest margins on a range of soils, mainly in warmer districts.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from northern Queensland south to southern New South Wales. Grows in dry rainforest, vine scrub, and the margins of moister forest on clay, loam, and basalt-derived soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade and habitat tree in warm-climate gardens, parks, and rainforest restoration, spaced 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) apart. Used to draw fruit-eating birds with its red-and-black seeds. Its frost sensitivity limits use to mild districts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 40'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Flowers mainly in spring, with timing varying by district and season. The small flowers are easy to overlook among the foliage. Fruit ripens in late spring and summer, when the red-and-black seeds are most visible.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish to creamFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade on free-draining clay or loam soils, preferring warm, frost-free conditions. Young plants need regular water until established, after which the tree tolerates short dry spells. It is sensitive to hard frost when young. Growth is moderate, and the tree forms a shade canopy over several years. Male and female flowers usually occur on separate trees, so fruit is set only where both are present. Few serious pests or diseases affect it.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond shaping young trees and removing dead or crossing branches in the cooler months. The tree tolerates light canopy thinning. Lower branches can be removed to lift the crown for clearance.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter