Vol. 26

Title:
DESCRIPTION AND PROPAGATION OF THE NEW ZEALAND SOPHORA SPECIES (KOWHAI)

Author:
G.N. Goldie

pp: 356-361

Abstract:
The Kowhai, pronounced by the Maori, kor-f-eye, means yellow and this is most evident throughout both islands from August to November when plants of this genus burst into flower often on sparsely-leaved branches, according to the species and district. Some overseas visitors have referred to the Kowhai as the New Zealand laburnum while many enthusiasts have proposed that it should be the national flower. The golden, drooping flowers, symbolic of spring, provide abundant nectar and pollen for such visitors as the tui, bellbird, kaka, silver-eyes, bees, butterflies and night-flying moths. No wonder the Kowhai never fails to gain the admiration of the horticulturist or of anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature.

The following descriptions and comparisons within the New Zealand genus should help to clarify some of the uncertainties that may have existed in understanding the Kowhai.

The genus Sophora (from sophera, an Arabic name for some leguminous trees), is not confined to New Zealand,

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