About NZ Kowhai

Kōwhai trees have small leaflets and juvenile branches on some species are twisted and tangled. They grow from a seed in the ground to become a tree up to 25 m high. It's found throughout New Zealand in a diverse range of habitats from riparian forests, coastal cliff faces to inland grey scrub communities.

Native birds such as the tui, bellbird, kākā and kererū all benefit from kōwhai trees. Tui, bellbird, and kererū feast on leaves and flowers – kōwhai are an important seasonal nectar food source for them.  

Māori hold the tree in high esteem, valuing the durability of its hard wood and its many medicinal properties.