papa kōwhai
Sophora godleyi | papa kōwhai, Godley’s kōwhai, Rangitīkei Kōwhai
A graceful kōwhai with a natural weeping habit and soft grey-green foliage on pendulous branches. In mid to late spring it produces showy clusters of golden-yellow flowers that are a favourite food source for native birds. Juvenile plants often have zig-zagging stems, adding character as they establish. This hardy evergreen prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and can look stunning as a feature tree or even in a large container. A distinctive species that brings strong seasonal interest and a sense of movement to the landscape.
typical habitat.
dunes
Mainly on limestone and calcareous mudstones, siltstones, and sandstones (Papa), and on alluvium derived from these parent materials.
drainage.
well drained
moist
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 15m
width | 5m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October – December
fruiting | January - May
did you know?
Sophora godleyi was only officially recognised as a separate and distinct species of kōwhai in 2001! Before that, it was generally considered to be a regional variation of the more widespread small-leaved kōwhai (Sophora microphylla). This reclassification, based on research by New Zealand botanists, highlighted that New Zealand has eight unique, endemic kōwhai species, each with different growth habits, habitats, and flowering times.