Sophora chathamica

Coastal kowhai (Sophora chathamica), sometimes known as Chatham Island kowhai, is one of 8 species of native sophora or kowhai in New Zealand and grows naturally in the north-west of the North Island in New Zealand, as far south as the Tongaporutu River in north Taranaki, and as far north as Te Paki.[1] It can also be found growing near Wellington and the Chatham Islands, although these later plantings are thought to be a result of Maori plantings in the late 18th century and early 19th century.[2][3] Prior to 2001, it was included as variant of Sophora microphylla, therefore references to either Sophora microphylla var. chathamica or Sophora microphylla subsp. microphylla var. chathamica are considered references to coastal kowhai.

Sophora chathamica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Fabaceae
Subfamily:
Faboideae
Tribe:
Sophoreae
Genus:
Sophora
Species:
S. chathamica
Binomial name
Sophora chathamica

Description

Coastal kowhai forms a small tree up to 6 metres tall and 4 metres wide.[4] It generally flowers from August until November.[1] Flowers are yellow and around 3 cm long. Unlike many kowhai species, coastal kowhai lacks the divaricating juvenile stage when grown from seed.

Conservation

As assessed by the New Zealand Threat Classification System,[5] S. chathamica is not considered threatened.

Cultivation

Coastal kowhai is available from nurseries throughout New Zealand. There are also several cultivars available, including:

  • The cultivar Milligold was selected by Duncan & Davies nursery for the new millennium (as Sophora microphylla var. chathamica, the classification in use at the time). It forms a small, compact tree with weeping branches and is sometimes listed as an evergreen.[6]

See also

References
  1. "Sophora chathamica". www.nzpcn.org.nz/. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  2. "Plant profiles > Sophora". www.o2landscapes.com. O2 Landscapes. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  3. Hughes, Denis. "Sophora Sophora — The Kowhais of New Zealand" (PDF). Combined Proceedings International Plant Propagators' Society. 52: 204. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
  4. "Sophora chathamica". www.nznativeplants.co.nz/. The Native Plant Centre. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  5. "Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012" (PDF). www.nzpcn.org.nz/. Department of Conservation. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  6. "Retail Native List 2013" (PDF). www.bluemountainnurseries.com/. Blue Mountain Nursery. Retrieved 20 December 2014.


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