Kōwhai Tree

Kōwhai genus Sophora

Eight species native to New Zealand

The kōwhai is one of the best known native trees in New Zealand and it’s our unofficial national flower.

Kōwhai grow from a seed in the ground to become a tree up to 25 metres high. They are found throughout New Zealand in a diverse range of habitats.

Kōwhai are best known for their brilliant yellow flowers that appear in profusion in spring and stand out among the forest greenery...

Native birds such as the tui, bellbird/korimako, kākā and the New Zealand pigeon/kererū all benefit from kōwhai trees. In fact they can get quite silly when they binge on the nectar.

The ceramic flowers you see displayed above the caravan were made by local potters. A miniature kowhai grows in a tub in the Ora courtyard.

The 'bird booze' tree