Log In or Register
Blossoms on one of my Kowhai trees, the unofficial flower emblem of New Zealand. The Kowhai is native to New Zealand. It can grow to over 25 metres high and the tree these blossoms are on was cut right back for that reason, last year. It has flourished and produced some nice blossoms. My other one is higher than the house and is a bit of a menace.
The nectar of kowhai blossoms is loved by Tui and Bellbirds- I have had Bellbirds visit but never a Tui - maybe one day :) There are 8 species of kowhai - I do not know which one this is.
Kowhai is the Maori word for gold.
I have learned that if I ever get bitten by a seal an infusion of kowhai flowers applied to the wound will heal it in a few days - always handy to know :)
Taken with Canon 450D with 60mm macro lens