The Kowhai Tree: It’s Symbolism & Characteristics

The Kowhai is the unofficial national flowering tree of New Zealand, and as such has been used as an icon for generations. From postage stamps and coins, souvenirs to street names, the Kowhai tree has fascinated botanists from around the world, including Charles Darwin. As a popular feature in many gardens and parks around the country, I thought it would be neat to share with you some of the common facts and the symbolism associated with this beautiful tree.

From the family Sophora, the Kowhai tree is renowned for its bright yellow flowers in spring, whose nectar attracts our native birds the tui and wood pigeon. Having obtained its name because of the yellow flowers (Kowhai being yellow in Te Reo), it has two unusual features for a native tree.

Firstly, some of the eight native species are deciduous, losing their leaves in winter. The flowers also appear before the leaves in spring. Secondly, it’s seed pods are very hardy and excellent at floating. Saltwater resistant, the Kowhai tree has established itself in neighbouring Pacific islands simply by natural dispersal via sea. This was something that fascinated Charles Darwin, so he studied it in detail.

Long used by Maori for traditional medicinal properties, the Kowhai tree is so prized that the cutting down of one is considered forbidden. Infusions made from bark were used to treat dandruff, scabies, gonorrhoea and even pain from a seal bite. The Maori also used it for broken bones, bruises, cuts and rashes. It’s important to know though, that this tree contains the toxin Cytisine, which can make people seriously ill or even die.

Kowhai wood was used by both early settlers and Maori. Crafted into paddles and spears for hunters by Maori, and fence posts and tool handles by Europeans, it was renowned for its beautiful woodturning capabilities and flexibility. The yellow flowers make a natural dye, and the flowering of the tree was used as a signal by Maori to plant potatoes.

Te ura o te Kowhai, or the glow of the Kowhai, is a common saying amongst Maori. A strong part of the Maori culture and tradition, it features within songs, folklore and legends. As a Kowhai-turanga ora or Tree of Life in the Waikato, it refers to authority and powers held by people to whom we look to for help and life.

Thus it is a tree of incredible importance. When you give a Kowhai tree to someone, you are showing you have trust in their abilities and judgement, and that you respect both them as a person and the choices they make. It’s also a lovely tree gift which shows the recipient that miracles are possible for them, as like the Kowhai who flowers before leaves appear!