mahoe
Alectryon macrococcum
Mahoe (Alectryon macrococcum) is a rare endemic tree species found in New Zealand, characterized by its distinctive large, glossy compound leaves and bright red arils that surround its seeds. This medium-sized canopy tree plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by providing food resources for native birds through its colorful fruits and supporting epiphytic communities on its bark and branches.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Sapindales
Family
Sapindaceae
Genus
Alectryon
mahoe belongs to the family Sapindaceae, order Sapindales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Mahoe (Alectryon macrococcum) is a rare endemic tree species found in New Zealand, characterized by its distinctive large, glossy compound leaves and bright red arils that surround its seeds. This medium-sized canopy tree plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by providing food resources for native birds through its colorful fruits and supporting epiphytic communities on its bark and branches.
Alectryon macrococcum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented and isolated.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Mahoe typically inhabits coastal and lowland podocarp-broadleaf forests, thriving in well-drained soils along forest margins and in canopy gaps. The species shows preference for areas with moderate moisture levels and partial sunlight, often establishing in regenerating forest patches and along stream corridors.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Alectryon macrococcum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented and isolated.
Agricultural expansion
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Limited geographic range
Small population size
Urban development
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). mahoe (Alectryon macrococcum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/mahoe