Botanical name:

Sophora microphylla

Common name(s):

Kowhai, weeping kōwhai, small-leaved kōwhai

About:

This common kowhai tree features distinct leaves that range in length from 30 to 50mm. These leaves have spaced, equal-sized leaflets, measuring approximately 4.5 to 12.5mm long. The tree is well-known for its bunches of drooping yellow flowers, which add a vibrant hue to its appearance. Additionally, it produces dry, ridged, knobbly seed pods that can measure anywhere from 50 to 200mm long, each containing hard yellow seeds. Juvenile specimens of the tree present a unique sight, characterised by their zig-zagging branches, which contribute to their distinctive growth form.

Natural habitat:

In the North Island, especially the northern half this is a species of mainly riparian forest. South of about Hamilton it can be found in a diverse range of habitats from coastal cliff faces and associated wetlands to inland grey scrub communities. Scarce to absent over large parts of the eastern North Island from about East Cape south to the northern Wairarapa.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Salt, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout the main islands of New Zealand but scarce in parts of Northland.

Height: 20m

Flowering:
(May-) August-October with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October -May with a dry brown pea like seed pod.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Flowers.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, provided the hard seed shell is nicked first with a knife or rubbed with sandpaper to expose the endosperm. Soaking seed treated this way overnight often helps speed up germination. Can be grown with difficulty from cuttings.

** Seed requires scarification before sowing. Mechanical scarification works best for this species. Reasonable results can also be achieved with hot water treatment.