Sophora microphylla seeds grow into the kowhai — New Zealand's most celebrated native flowering tree and the country's unofficial national flower, native to both the North and South Islands. The epithet microphylla means 'small-leaved', distinguishing it from the large-leaved S. tetraptera. A semi-deciduous to deciduous tree or large shrub producing spectacular, drooping clusters of vivid golden-yellow, tubular flowers in late winter to early spring — the kowhai's flowers are the primary nectar source for New Zealand's iconic tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and other native honeyeaters, and the bright yellow display signals the arrival of spring across the country. The intricate, interlocking, zig-zag juvenile branching pattern is highly ornamental before the adult foliage develops. Seeds and all parts contain toxic alkaloids and must not be consumed. Family Fabaceae.Full sun to partial shade; adaptable to well-drained soils; cold-hardy; excellent garden tree for temperate to subtropical climates. Spectacular golden-yellow tubular flower clusters — New Zealand's unofficial national flower Primary nectar source for the tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and native honeyeaters New Zealand (North and South Islands) — subtropical to temperate biome Intricate zig-zag juvenile branching; 'microphylla' = small-leaved Full sun to partial shade; cold-hardy; well-drained soils; toxic seeds; Family Fabaceae Sophora microphylla is the kowhai — New Zealand's beloved national flower tree, whose golden tubular flowers in late winter signal spring across the country and provide the primary nectar source for the tui, one of the most important ecological and cultural relationships in New Zealand's native flora. IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.
