coastal kōwhai
Sophora chathamica | coastal kōwhai
A beautiful and hardy tree, with one or more trunks and spreading to upright branches bearing moderately dense, overlapping leaflets. Primarily found in coastal forests, often on cliffs or banks overlooking estuaries or inlets, it is occasionally seen in swamp forests. A key distinguishing feature from other kōwhai is its lack of a divaricating juvenile stage. This species produces masses of attractive yellow flowers, around 3 cm long, attracting birds and bees. Very tolerant of dry areas and coastal winds, it thrives in full sun or semi-shade. Commonly grown as a specimen in coastal gardens it features attractive fern-like, large, dark-green leaves that give it a dense appearance.