Alectryon

Description

Alectryon is a tree that belongs to the Sapindaceae family, which is native to Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. It is also known as the bird’s eye tree or the beach cherry tree. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a broad canopy. It produces small, red fruits that contain a single seed. The bark is smooth and grey, while the leaves are bright green and have a glossy appearance.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Angiosperms
Class	Eudicots
Order	Sapindales
Family	Sapindaceae
Genus	Alectryon

Appearance

The Alectryon tree has a broad canopy and can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its bark is smooth and grey, while its leaves are bright green and have a glossy appearance. The tree produces small, red fruits that contain a single seed. The fruits are about 1 cm in diameter and have a bitter taste. The tree’s flowers are small and white, and they bloom in spring and summer.

Care Guide

The Alectryon tree requires moderate watering, fertilization, and sunlight. It prefers well-drained soils and can grow in a wide range of hardiness zones. Here are some tips on how to care for your Alectryon tree:

• Water: Water the tree moderately, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in spring.
• Soil: Plant the tree in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
• Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The Alectryon tree can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 12.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Alectryon tree is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Scale insects: These pests feed on the tree’s sap and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
• Mealybugs: These pests feed on the tree’s sap and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
• Sooty mold: This is a fungal disease that can grow on the tree’s leaves and bark, causing a black, sooty appearance.
• Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots and defoliation.

Habitat

The Alectryon tree is native to Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including forests, coastal dunes, and rocky slopes. The tree is also commonly planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the Alectryon tree grow in cold climates?

A: No, the Alectryon tree prefers warm climates and can only grow in hardiness zones 9 to 12.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Alectryon tree?

A: Fertilize the tree once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in spring.

Q: What is the Alectryon tree’s scientific name?

A: The Alectryon tree’s scientific name is Alectryon excelsus.

Q: Can the Alectryon tree be used for timber?

A: Yes, the Alectryon tree’s wood is hard and durable, and it can be used for furniture, flooring, and other wood products.

Related Plants

• Alectryon diversifolius
• Alectryon macrococcus
• Alectryon oleifolius
• Alectryon subcinereus

References

• “Alectryon excelsus.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/alectryon-excelsus/
• “Alectryon excelsus.” Australian Native Plants Society. https://anpsa.org.au/a-exc.html
• “Alectryon excelsus.” PlantNet. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Alectryon~excelsus