The Kowhai New Zealand's National Flower
If there is one flowering plant that New Zealanders call their National Flower it is the Kowhai. It grows naturally throughout the dryer areas of New Zealand and because it is so popular it is planted in almost every garden.There are however 2 main species of Kowhai. Sophora tetraptera, North Island Kowhai and Sophora microphylla, South Island Kowhai. Where these plant grow side by side in the wild natural hybrids also exist. Many hybrids have occurred in gardens as well.
Additionally there are 2 naturally occurring varieties of S. micropyhlla and numerous forms, some of which have been named.The North Island Kowhai, Sophora tetraptera is the easiest to grow and fastest to flower when grown from seed. It is probably the most commonly available in the Nursery industry.As a garden plant the North Island Kowhai is excellent. With its fast upright growth it is ready to flower in 3-5 years. It does not go through all the twiggy juvenile stages of other Kowhais.
It is easy to grow and will succeed in almost all garden situations. It will reach a height of 4-6m with a trunk diameter of 30-60cm.In the wild S. tetraptera grows naturally along forest margins, in lowlands and hill country and alongside streams. Its natural altitude range is from sea level to 450 metres.Often described as an evergreen tree it losses all its leaves for a very short period each year. In spring all the old leaves drop off as the new leaf buds break and develop into new branchlets.
All the old leaves are replaced to provide a fresh green look. The leaves are divided along the mid rib into a number of leaflets. Each leaflet is oval shaped 25-30mm long and 5-7mm wide. It creates a feathery look. The new young branchlets and young foliage covered with dense silky hairs which are smooth to touch.The most distinctive feature is its flower.
Each spring the large bright yellow flowers appear in pendulous clusters of 5-7 on naked branches. These showy clusters appear in great profusion. Individual flowers are up to 6cm long and the colour is a golden sulphur yellow. The calyx, which holds the petals in place, is a yellowish/green colour that adds further colour to the flowers.Tuis and bellbirds love these flowers and visit them to drink the sweet nectar. Unfortunately these birds, in their haste, tear the flowers to pieces.
Following flowering seed pods are produced. These 4 winged pods house a single seed in specially constructed compartments. Each pod may have up to 8 seeds. When mature the seeds may be gathered and sown quickly to ensure they germinate.Pests and diseases include the Kowhai moth whose larvae eat the leaves and the seeds. Scale insects may invade the Kowhai and they are easily controlled by spraying with all seasons spraying oil.The Kowhai is the best known NZ Native flowering tree and one of the most beautiful.
As a small tree it is excellent in many small gardens where light foliage cover is required and a burst of colour in spring when it smothers itself with blooms.The botanical/Latin name has the following meanings. Sophora is an Arabian name for a tree with pea shaped flowers and tetraptera means 4 winged seed. Previously it was included in the genus Edwardia. Kowhai is the Maori name and means yellow.Maori also recognised the Kowhai as an important plant. Its medicinal properties were explored by the Maori and poultices were made from bark and applied to wounds and tumours.
An infusion of barks (a tea) from the Kowhai and manuka was used to treat internal pain, bruises and broken limbs. Wood ash from the Kowhai was used to treat ringworm.The Maori are said to have regulated the planting of potatoes by the flowering time of the Kowhai.The wood of the Kowhai is valuable as is it is very durable. Logs have been used straight from the bush and used in construction without any special treatment.As an individual tree the Kowhai is a superb garden plant. It is small enough for even the smallest of gardens but it is large enough to make an impact. As a garden tree there is none better in spring.In the larger landscape the Kowhai makes a big success.
Mass plantings of Kowhai make a tremendous impact on the scenery. This can best be seen in some of the naturally occurring stands in the Rangitiki area of the North Island.Plantings of the Kowhai should be encouraged throughout NZ and in other places around the world to ensure this icon of New Zealand plants is able to show us its best each spring..
Digital Camera Macro Mode
The digital camera is a wonderful device that allows a diverse variety of applications with its even diverse spectral collection of utilities. As technology progresses it brings along with it those intense pleasures that human beings have only thought of. Now the digital camera has opened up the dimensions for the people and the photographers in providing with the liberty of capturing whatever they wish and of whatever type they prefer! Well the magic words are macro mode. Although the words might seem to be a bit deceiving they have really a great application in the field of digital photography and digital camera as a device. In general the digital camera macro mode allows a digital camera to photograph close-up pictures of petite objects like flowers, insects, coins, etc.
Macro mode potentiality vary from camera to camera but almost all digital cameras offer this exclusive feature to enable the users to widen up their imaginations and their weirdest fantasies in creating art.Extending...
Digital Camera Macro Mode
Flower > Digital Camera Macro Mode
Bridal Bouquets
A display of flowers is an indispensable part of a wedding in every culture.
Flowers are used in the bouquet carried by the bride, her attendants, the groom and his friends. Flowers enhance the beauty of the prayer areas, altars and the church during a wedding. While selecting bridal bouquets, it's important to know which flowers are in season during the period of the year when the wedding date falls. Selecting seasonal flowers may help reduce costs while purchasing flowers from a florist.
Bouquets may convey a just-picked-from-the-garden look or a formal look.
It's important to achieve a good balance between the bridal gown and bouquet. At times, bouquets with a fresh-picked look may look out of place in combination with an extremely formal gown. It is also important that the bouquet size should complement the personality of the bride. A very large bouquet can sometimes overshadow the bride's presence and the grace and style of the bridal gown.
Flower > Bridal Bouquets
Monaco - Yacht Show Has Record Entries
The world's leading luxury yacht show in Monaco is to pay for 55 wind turbines in New Zealand - enough to generate power for 45,000 homes - making the event 'carbon neutral'.
Under the watchful eye of Prince Albert, the yacht show is part of Monaco's new stance on global warming, and comes shortly after Prince Albert himself travelled to the North Pole in April to highlight the damage he believes global warming is having on the environment.
'Since Prince Albert came to the throne last year' comments Henri Boulanger of Monte Carlo travel guide http://www.yourmonaco.com, 'Monaco has changed her policy from one of the few countries not to sign the Kyoto Protocol to not only signing it but taking a lead in the battle against global warming. Prince Albert has personally taken steps to show how concerned he is, and by setting the example of going to the North Pole has shown the leadership necessary to encourage Monaco companies...
Flower > Monaco - Yacht Show Has Record Entries
Top tattoo designs for women...
Hi all- I have ntoiced recently a growing trend in tattoos that seems to be growing with out end. That is tattoos for women. Traditional getting a tattoo was a big machot hing but for a while now women have been choosing to get tattoos also. In fact I did some research on the internet and on my own site Design My Tattoos and have noticed that the following tattoos seem to be among the most popular tats for women to get. 1.
Shooting Star Tattoos 2. Butterfly Tattoos 3. Unicorn Tattoos 4. Angel Tattoos 5. Fairy Tattoos 6.
Dragonfly tattoos 7. Flower design tattoos By the way just a bltant plug for Design My Tattoos but you can get any of these tattoos custom designed here..
I am the owner and webmaster of www.designmytattoos.com a site where custom tattoo artists bid for your business and you get a great looking tattoo design. Top tattoo designs for women...
Flower > Top tattoo designs for women...