Botanical name:

Sophora tetraptera

Common name(s):

Kowhai, Large leaved Kowhai

About:

Sophora tetraptera is characterised by having larger and more pronounced leaves compared to those of Sophora microphylla, along with distinctive green and yellow flowers. This species is a native leguminous tree of New Zealand that showcases a profusion of blooms during its flowering period, which extends from September to November. It is known to flower at a younger age and produces larger and more vibrant blooms than its relative, S. microphylla. The nectar of its flowers is particularly attractive to a variety of birds and bees, making it an important species for local biodiversity.

Natural habitat:

Widespread and common from coastal forested habitats inland along rivers and within associated low scrub and forest. Common around lake margins (especially Lake Taupo) and on ignimbrite cliffs bordering the upper Waikato River. Although a primarily lowland species it can occur in montane riparian forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Known in a natural state only from the eastern portion of the the North Island from East Cape south to the Wairarapa, extending west toward Taihape, Lake Taupo and along the Waikato River to about Lake Karapiro. However, extensively planted outside this range and often naturalising.

Height: 7m

Flowering: 

(September-) October-December 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.