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Story: Shrubs and small trees of the forest

Godley’s kōwhai

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Godley’s kōwhai

Godley’s kōwhai (Sophora godleyi) is found growing on calcium-rich mudstone and siltstone river banks and hillsides in the central North Island. This one is in Whanganui National Park. This species makes a spectacular flowering display in late spring and early summer. Its golden flowers are full of nectar and attract bellbirds and tūī. As they feed they manage to transfer pollen from flower to flower.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10060168; 10060190 (inset)

by Astrid van Meeuwen-Dijkgraaf

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How to cite this page

Joanna Orwin, Shrubs and small trees of the forest – Kōwhai and kākā beak, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/13845/godleys-kowhai (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Joanna Orwin, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 July 2015.