''Sophora godleyi'', also known as Godley's kōwhai, papa kōwhai or Rangitikei kōwhai, grows naturally in the west of the North Island of

New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...

from Te Kuiti to Manawatu. It is one of eight recognised species of

kōwhai Kōwhai ( or ) are small woody legume trees within the genus ''Sophora'' in the family Fabaceae that are native to New Zealand. There are eight species, with ''Sophora microphylla'' and '' S. tetraptera'' being the most recognised as large trees. ...

and was described as a separate species in 2001, having formerly been considered to be part of species small-leaved kōwhai. It is named after Dr. Eric Godley, former head of the

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, abbreviated DSIR was the name of several British Empire organisations founded after the 1923 Imperial Conference to foster intra-Empire trade and development. * Department of Scientific and Industria ...

(DSIR) Botany Division.

Description

''S. godleyi'' has a weeping habit with long pendulous branches and grey-green foliage, and can grow to height of about 25 metres. There is a profusion of yellow flowers around October/November making it one of the finest of New Zealand's native trees.

Conservation

Using the New Zealand Threat Classification System, ''S. godleyi'' was rated in 2012 as being "not threatened", and this status continues.

Cultivation

In horticulture it is possible to purchase 'regular' ''S. godleyi'' plants and it grows easily from seed. There are also at least two known cultivars, ''S. godleyi'' 'Goldies Mantle' and ''S. godleyi'' 'Ohingaiti'. * The cultivar 'Goldies Mantle' was selected by John Goldie, who worked in the Levin Horticultural Research Centre of the DSIR. It was sourced from a parent plant near Ohingaiti (near

Taihape Taihape is in the Rangitikei District of the North Island of New Zealand. It serves a large rural community. State Highway 1, which runs North to South through the centre of the North Island, passes through the town. History and culture Early ...

). The plant grows into an attractive grey-green tree, bearing an abundant display of yellow flowers in spring, and can grow 5 metres or more. It is sometimes sold under its former name ''Sophora microphylla'' 'Goldies Mantle'. * The cultivar ‘Ohingaiti’ is another cultivar originating from the Ohingaiti district. It is described as being similar to 'Goldies Mantle' but "still has the pendulous branches" that the base species is known for.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q7563129 godleyi Trees of New Zealand Taxa named by Peter Brian Heenan Taxa named by Peter James de Lange