The kōwhai is one of the best known native trees in aotearoa and it's our unofficial national flower. They are best known for their brilliant yellow flowers that appear in profusion in Spring and stand out among the forest greenery. There are small shrub like kowhai trees (2m), but they can be confused with the invasive gorse (which is thorny) or broom.

The tui, kereru, and korimako all love the kowhai tree and will feast on its leaves, flowers, and nectar.