a New Zealand tree and flower, Alectryon excelsum, De C., Maori name Titoki (q.v.); called also the New Zealand Oak, from theresemblance of its leaves to those of an oak. Named bybotanists from Grk. 'alektruown, a cock.
1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' I. 7, p. 16:
«The early season could not yet
Have ripened the alectryon's beads of jet,
Each on its scarlet strawberry set.»