Printed on Ilford Galerie 310gsm Smooth Cotton Rag, this image is created from one of the the three Kowhai trees grown here on Emerald Hill farm.

Holding unofficial status as the tree of New Zealand's national flower, the NZ native Köwhai tree has been used as an icon for generations. From the family Sophora, the Köwhai tree is renowned for its bright yellow flowers in spring, whose nectar attracts our native birds the tui and wood pigeon.

The tree obtained it's name because of the yellow flowers (Köwhai being yellow ni Te Reo)The flowers also appear before the leaves in spring.

Long used by Mäori for traditional medicinal properties, the Köwhai tree is so prized that the cutting down of one is considered tapu.

Infusions made from bark were used to treat dandruff, scabies, gonorrhoea and even pain from a seal bite. It was also used for broken bones, bruises, cuts and rashes by Māori tribes too. It's important to know though, that this tree contains the toxin Cytisine, which can make people seriously ill.

Köwhai wood was used by both early settlers and Maori. Crafted into paddles and spears for hunters by Mäori, and fence posts and tool handles by Europeans, ti was renowned for its beautiful wood-turning capabilities and flexibility. The yellow flowers have and still are used to make natural dye, and the flowering of the tree was used as a signal by Māori to plant potatoes.

Symbolism

Today, the köwhai tree symbolises personal growth and renewal. It is said to help individuals move on from the past with a renewed sense of adventure and optimism.