Kōwhai are small, woody legume trees in the genus Sophora native to New Zealand. There are eight species, Sophora microphylla and S. tetraptera being the most recognised as large trees. Their natural habitat is beside streams and on the edges of forest, in lowland or mountain open areas.[1] Kōwhai trees grow throughout the country and are a common feature in New Zealand gardens. Outside of New Zealand, kōwhai tend to be restricted to mild temperate maritime climates.
The word kōwhai is also used in the Maori language as a colour term, because of the yellow colour of the flowers.[2]
Despite having no official status as such,[3] the blooms of the kōwhai are widely regarded as being New Zealand's national flower.[4]
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