Alectryon tomentosus

A medium to large evergreen tree with very strong wood. In its place of origin, it reaches extremely impressive dimensions. In Israel, there is not yet sufficient perspective and experience with it, but it seems that the domesticated cultivar will not reach the gigantic dimensions of the trees that grow wild in forests. The tree’s leaves are somewhat hairy and silvery on the bottom. The bloom in a reddish hue and turn green as they age. The tree flowers in sorts of clusters of smallish, pinkish flowers. It would be incorrect to say that the flowering lacks horticultural importance, but it is also not very prominent. The appearance of the fruit is more significant as the tree bears clusters of small fruits whose pits resemble olives in dark purple and black. The pits are covered in a prominent and beautiful red flesh. The red-black appearance of the clusters stands out against the background of the dark green foliage, and the appearance is impressive and eye-catching. Because the fruit is somewhat juicy, when it falls in autumn, it stains paved areas beneath and makes them sticky to walk on.

It is common as a street tree in Israel, is suitable for boulevards and for planting in groups or on its own and is good in private gardens, though it is worth taking into account its future size. (The tree is definitely long-lived.) When Alectryon tomentosus matures, it produces tons of fruit that make a mess to its surroundings. Therefore, we think it’s worth reconsidering its use as a popular street tree.