Sophora microphylla
(South Island Kowhai)
Sophora microphylla
(South Island Kowhai)
Prices:
| Each | 20 or more | |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L Pot | $9.50 | $9.00 |
Details:
| Foliage Colour: | Green |
| Growth Rate: | Medium |
| Mature Height: | 7 m |
| Mature Width: | 4 m |
| Site Condition: | Coastal, Exposed, Frost Tolerant, Heavy Soil, Loamy Soil, Sandy Soil, Waterways |
| Sun: | Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade |
| Drainage: | Dry, Moist |
| Category: | Tree |
| Features: | Attractive to birds, insects, lizards and bees. Flower colour: Yellow. Fruit colour: Brown. Native. Suitable restoration species. |
Sophora microphylla is also known as South Island Kōwhai, having showy yellow flowers in early spring. This particular Kōwhai has very small leaves (microphylla) and a tangled juvenile form, tending to straighten up and grow from an upright trunk at about four years. Kōwhai makes a good garden tree and is necessary for revegetation projects as a bird attractor. Kōwhai are suited to upper bank plantings of riparian areas. They also make beautiful shade or specimen trees. Semi-deciduous. Hardy.
Sophora microphylla have horn-shaped yellow flowers. The nectar is a favourite food for Tui, Bellbird and Kererū which also eat the leaves. The seed pods which appear after flowering stay hanging on the tree through winter.
Kōwhai is the national flower of New Zealand.
Habitat: In the North Island, especially the northern half this is a species of mainly riparian forest. South of Hamilton it can be found in a diverse range of habitats from coastal cliff faces and associated wetlands to inland grey scrub communities. Sophora microphylla and Sophora prostrata are the only forms naturally existing in Canterbury.
Flowering: Winter [August - October]
Fruiting: Spring - Summer [October - May]
My Lists: Low Flammability Plants, Rongoa, Winter Pollen
