Discover the National Flower of New Zealand: The Kōwhai

New Zealand is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. As part of the Oceanic region, New Zealand is made up of two main islands, called the North Island and the South Island, as well as many other smaller islands. Geographically, New Zealand is very isolated. As a matter of fact, the country’s closest neighbor, Australia, is over 1,000 miles away! However, contained within this island nation is great geographic diversity. The landscape is home to sandy beaches, deep glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, active volcanoes, underground caves, and many other striking geographic features. Thus, New Zealand is home to diverse plant and animal life. Here we’ll discover New Zealand’s national flower.

For example, one of the best-known native plants in New Zealand is the tree on which the unofficial national flower grows: the kōwhai tree. These trees grow across various habitats in New Zealand and are beloved by many as a distinctive feature of the landscape and a symbol of the country. This article will explore this amazing flower, where it grows, its appearance, and its special place within New Zealand’s culture. Let’s learn more about the unique national flower of New Zealand: the kōwhai!

About New Zealand

As a geographically diverse and incredibly unique ecosystem home to rare and special plants and animals, New Zealand has many species that are endemic to this country. For example, the kiwi is a long-beaked flightless bird native to New Zealand – and it is the animal that gave the country’s people their nickname, “kiwis.” 

New Zealand’s land area is slightly less than that of Colorado in the United States. However, this country’s craggy fjords and coves give it an extremely extensive coastline. New Zealand is also within the part of the world known as the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is defined by its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Erosion and the movement of geographic blocks along earth fault lines mark the landscape. However, despite the dramatic craters and volcanic peaks, New Zealand also has lush forests, glassy glacial lakes, bubbling mud baths, and incredible beaches.

Nature conservation in the form of accessible National Parks makes many of these sights viewable by the average person, who can traverse the landscape on multi-day expeditions or quick hour-long hikes. A trip to the National Parks would allow you to explore the diverse geography and multitudes of plant and animal species endemic to New Zealand.

What is the Kōwhai, New Zealand’s National Flower?

The national flower of New Zealand, the kōwhai flower, grows on the kōwhai tree. There are eight species of kōwhai in New Zealand. All are members of the genus Sophora. Most of these are trees, with the exception of two, which grow to be more like small shrubs. The most widespread species of kōwhai is the species Sophora microphylla. This species of kōwhai grows across New Zealand’s North Island and the South Island, inhabiting habitats from forests to coastal cliffs to dunes and plains.

Kōwhai trees can reach up to 25 meters (or over 82 feet), but the species Sophora microphylla tends to grow to be 26 feet tall. This tree produces small leaves and small, bright yellow flowers. The trees are evergreen, with the flowers appearing each year in the late winter to early spring months. 

The word kōwhai comes from the Māori language, spoken by the Māori people who are indigenous to Polynesia. The word describes the yellow color of the blossoms, which have long had importance as a source of yellow color for dye. These flowers are also a valued source of nectar for birds and insects. In particular, the tui, a bird endemic to New Zealand, feeds reliably on the nectar from kōwhai flowers each spring when they appear.

Where Does the Kōwhai Grow?

The trees known as kōwhai trees, on which the national flower of New Zealand grows, appear in a wide range of habitats across New Zealand. The most common species of kōwhai, Sophora microphylla, often grows beside rivers and streams, on the edges of forests, and in lowland parts of New Zealand, on both the North and South Islands. There, it thrives best in sunny conditions with moist but well-drained soil. On the North Island, Sophora microphylla trees often grow in riparian forests, particularly in the northern part of the island. Moving southward, the trees appear in more diverse habitats. They thrive on coastal cliffs, across wetlands, near river banks, and on the plains.

Today, kōwhai trees are also a popular landscaping addition and can be seen across New Zealand in parks and gardens. They definitely bring beauty to the landscape. However, there is a practical purpose too! These trees are essential in producing nectar to feed many birds and insects. The species that feed on this plant include some endemic to New Zealand and feed specifically on the kōwhai! This plant can grow well in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.

What is the Cultural Significance of the Kōwhai?

The kōwhai has long been an important cultural emblem. Dating back to ancient times, it had a distinctive role in the cultures of the indigenous people. The kōwhai’s flower, bark, and leaves all have particular uses in traditional medicine. For example, the bark can be made into tea and used to treat injuries or illnesses. The flowers and leaves can also be made into a traditional medicine called rongoa. People used this medicine to treat a range of conditions: from dandruff to skin diseases to everyday aches and pains.

Traditionally, observing changes in the natural environment signaled the ancient Māori people the right season for planting and harvesting. Historically, when the kōwhai blossomed, the indigenous people knew it was time to plant. These vibrant yellow flowers also had a practical use, as they could be made into dye for clothes and textiles. 

Kōwhai flowers can be found throughout New Zealand’s art and are commonly used to represent the country. Because of that, you can find images of kōwhai flowers in everything from New Zealand’s postal stamps to coins to folk art and architecture. However, it is important to note that, although very popular, the kōwhai does not have the official status of New Zealand’s national flower. The silver fern (Cyathea dealbata) is in competition with the kōwhai as a pick for the national plant. It appears on army insignia and on the uniforms of some New Zealand sports teams. This makes it an alternative national emblem. Another alternative is the red pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa). The red pōhutukawa is a bright red flower known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree. It is also special as one of several species in the genus Metrosideros that are endemic to New Zealand.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Diva-Doodles/Shutterstock.com