Our native species vary in habit and form, flower colour and flowering times. A favourite for winter flowers is Sophora molloyi. Naturally growing in the vicinity of Cook Strait, this species favours inhospitable exposed sites, making it a hardy addition to the garden.
Two cultivars of this species are Sophora molloyi "Dragon's Gold" and "Early Gold", both selections from plants growing on Stephens Island.
The clonal name of S. Dragon's Gold was given for the large population of tuatara on Stephens Island. A good-sized specimen can be seen in the Native Cultivar border in the upper Botanic Garden.
Another interesting species is Sophora prostrata, a low-growing species native to rocky grasslands in the northeast of the South Island.
It retains the divaricate form that is sometimes just a juvenile stage in other species. The flowers, although sparse, are more orange than in other kowhai. A mature specimen grows in the old scree garden in the New Zealand Native Plant Collection.
- Sophora prostrata will make a good bonsai specimen.
- Plant Sophora to promote bird life in your garden - kereru eat young shoots and flower buds; flowers attract tui and bellbirds.
- The common name for Sophora is kowhai, which is also the Maori word for yellow.
- Shirley Stuart is curator of the Native Plant Collection at Dunedin Botanic Garden.
