Kowhai

Description:

Smallish tree up to about 12m max, usually smaller. Signature bright yellow flowers in late winter/early spring. (earlier in the north) Bright green small rounded leaflets on long stems and a multi celled pendulous seed case. Seeds are mustard yellow. Images show various key characteristics.

Habitat:

Several sub species but generally found all over NZ in forest margins, lowland forest and along waterways etc. Alpine sp smaller. This series of images taken from the same tree over a period of time in central North Island.

Notes:

When flowering, generally puts on a great show and attracts local honey eaters such as Tui and Bellbird as well as numerous insects that attract other birds such Bronze Shining Cuckoo. Most important is that the Kowhai flower is New Zealand's national Flower!