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The Kowhai New Zealand's National Flower
by Alan Jolliffe
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If there is one flowering plant that New Zealanders call their National Flower it is the Kowhai. It grows naturally throughout
the dryer areas of New Zealand and because it is so popular it is planted in almost every garden.
There are however 2 main species of Kowhai. Sophora tetraptera, North Island Kowhai and Sophora microphylla, South Island Kowhai.
Where these plant grow side by side in the wild natural hybrids also exist. Many hybrids have occurred in gardens as well.
Additionally there are 2 naturally occurring varieties of S. micropyhlla and numerous forms, some of which have been named.
The North Island Kowhai, Sophora tetraptera is the easiest to grow and fastest to flower when grown from seed. It is probably
the most commonly available in the Nursery industry.
As a garden plant the North Island Kowhai is excellent. With its fast upright growth it is ready to flower in 3-5 years.
It does not go through all the twiggy juvenile stages of other Kowhais. It is easy to grow and will succeed in almost all
garden situations. It will reach a height of 4-6m with a trunk diameter of 30-60cm.
In the wild S. tetraptera grows naturally along forest margins, in lowlands and hill country and alongside streams. Its
natural altitude range is from sea level to 450 metres.
Often described as an evergreen tree it losses all its leaves for a very short period each year. In spring all the old
leaves drop off as the new leaf buds break and develop into new branchlets. All the old leaves are replaced to provide
a fresh green look. The leaves are divided along the mid rib into a number of leaflets. Each leaflet is oval shaped 25-30mm
long and 5-7mm wide. It creates a feathery look. The new young branchlets and young foliage covered with dense silky
hairs which are smooth to touch.
The most distinctive feature is its flower. Each spring the large bright yellow flowers appear in pendulous clusters of
5-7 on naked branches. These showy clusters appear in great profusion. Individual flowers are up to 6cm long and the
colour is a golden sulphur yellow. The calyx, which holds the petals in place, is a yellowish/green colour that adds
further colour to the flowers.
Tuis and bellbirds love these flowers and visit them to drink the sweet nectar. Unfortunately these birds, in their
haste, tear the flowers to pieces.
Following flowering seed pods are produced. These 4 winged pods house a single seed in specially constructed
compartments. Each pod may have up to 8 seeds. When mature the seeds may be gathered and sown quickly to ensure
they germinate.
Pests and diseases include the Kowhai moth whose larvae eat the leaves and the seeds. Scale insects may invade the
Kowhai and they are easily controlled by spraying with all seasons spraying oil.
The Kowhai is the best known NZ Native flowering tree and one of the most beautiful. As a small tree it is
excellent in many small gardens where light foliage cover is required and a burst of colour in spring when it
smothers itself with blooms.
The botanical/Latin name has the following meanings. Sophora is an Arabian name for a tree with pea shaped
flowers and tetraptera means 4 winged seed. Previously it was included in the genus Edwardia. Kowhai is the
Maori name and means yellow.
Maori also recognised the Kowhai as an important plant. Its medicinal properties were explored by the Maori
and poultices were made from bark and applied to wounds and tumours. An infusion of barks (a tea) from the
Kowhai and manuka was used to treat internal pain, bruises and broken limbs. Wood ash from the Kowhai was
used to treat ringworm.
The Maori are said to have regulated the planting of potatoes by the flowering time of the Kowhai.
The wood of the Kowhai is valuable as is it is very durable. Logs have been used straight from the bush and
used in construction without any special treatment.
As an individual tree the Kowhai is a superb garden plant. It is small enough for even the smallest of
gardens but it is large enough to make an impact. As a garden tree there is none better in spring.
In the larger landscape the Kowhai makes a big success. Mass plantings of Kowhai make a tremendous impact
on the scenery. This can best be seen in some of the naturally occurring stands in the Rangitiki area of
the North Island.
Plantings of the Kowhai should be encouraged throughout NZ and in other places around the world to
ensure this icon of New Zealand plants is able to show us its best each spring.
About the Author
Alan Jolliffe is a garden writer and lecturer. I am available to write special articles for you about Gardening and about
New Zealand. I am a professional horticulturist, recreation manager,tourism advisor, teacher and local government manager.
Contact jolliffe@slingshot.co.nz
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