Sophora howinsula
Common name
Lord Howe kōwhai
Family
Fabaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Flower colours
Yellow
Life cycle
Long-lived shrub or small tree; reproduces exclusively by seed. Seeds are abundantly produced, hard-shelled. A long-lived seed-bank is formed. Dispersal is by water, gravity and careless disposal of fruiting material.
Year naturalised
2007
Origin
Lord Howe Island—this species has long been grown in New Zealand under the name Sophora tetraptera ”Otari Gnome”.
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Tolerances
Moderately hardy
Etymology
sophora: After the Arabic name for a similar tree