Sophora howinsula (PLUG grown) Lord Howe Is. kowhai (syn.'Gnome') Ht 3-4m
Shrub / NZ native / Evergreen / Tolerates dry sites / Attractive flowers or catkins / Attractive to birds / Attractive berries fruits or cone / Attracts bees / Container Grown / Cold hardy (H4) (-10 to -5C)
Native to Lord Howe Island, part of the largely submerged Zealandia, on which NZ sits. Small stocky evergreen tree with a lignotuber at ground level. Pinnate leaves 5-10cm long larger than S. tetraptera. Larger yellow flowers July to Sept. 7-12cm pods contain smooth orange-brown seeds. Wood is hard and durable. Evergreen, with upright vase shaped slightly arching branches. Large leaves and flowers. Hardy, slower than most kowhai. Suitable for a small garden.