{"product_id":"kowhai-seeds-20","title":"Kowhai Seeds | Pack of 20 | Sophora tetraptera \u0026 S. microphylla","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKowhai seeds — a pack of 20 seeds of New Zealand's most beloved native tree, \u003cem\u003eSophora tetraptera\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eS. microphylla\u003c\/em\u003e — the iconic golden-flowering kowhai, NZ's unofficial national flower and a tree of deep cultural and ecological significance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT: All parts of the kowhai plant are poisonous if ingested. Seeds, bark, leaves, and flowers must never be eaten or taken internally. For external\/topical traditional use only. Keep away from children and animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout kowhai\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKowhai (\u003cem\u003eSophora\u003c\/em\u003e spp.) is one of New Zealand's most treasured native trees, famous for its spectacular cascades of bright golden-yellow flowers in late winter and spring — a vital nectar source for tūī, kererū, and bellbirds. The word \u003cem\u003ekowhai\u003c\/em\u003e is te reo Māori for yellow, and the tree holds a place of great cultural importance in Māori tradition and New Zealand identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pack contains seeds of both \u003cem\u003eSophora tetraptera\u003c\/em\u003e (the larger-leafed, more commonly cultivated form) and \u003cem\u003eS. microphylla\u003c\/em\u003e (the smaller-leafed, often more wind-hardy west coast form). Both are long-lived, ornamental trees that make a stunning addition to any NZ garden, providing year-round structure and seasonal floral spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTraditional use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKowhai has a long history of medicinal use in Māori rongoā (traditional medicine). Infusions made from boiling the bark — traditionally taken from the sunny side of the tree — or the leaves were applied externally to cuts, wounds, skin infections, and sores. \u003cstrong\u003eThese preparations were used exclusively on the skin and never taken internally.\u003c\/strong\u003e All parts of the kowhai plant contain cytisine, a toxic alkaloid, and must never be ingested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefers high-fertility, free-draining soils — avoid waterlogged conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWind:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wind hardy once established, but provide some wind protection when young\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrought tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reasonably drought tolerant once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeed preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kowhai seeds have a hard seed coat — scarify (nick or sand) or soak in hot water for 24 hours before sowing to improve germination rates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSowing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow in free-draining seed mix, keep moist, and germinate in a warm position. Transplant when seedlings are established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong\u003eAll parts of the kowhai plant — seeds, bark, leaves, and flowers — are toxic if ingested.\u003c\/strong\u003e Kowhai contains cytisine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause serious illness. Never eat any part of this plant or take any preparation internally. For any traditional topical use, discard after use and do not allow contact with eyes or broken skin. Keep seeds and plant material out of reach of children and animals.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Superfoods NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42763345985602,"sku":"KS20","price":5.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/4320\/1090\/files\/KOWHAI-SEEDS-e1743904722227_c87db7da-135d-4159-afe8-f54925d910e2.jpg?v=1779334485","url":"https:\/\/www.superfoodsnz.co.nz\/products\/kowhai-seeds-20","provider":"Superfoods NZ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}