The New Zealand botanic region has eight native species, Sophora microphylla being the most widespread, and two naturalised exotic - Sophora cassioides (Chilean pelu) and Sophora howinsula (Lord Howe kowhai).

All kowhai species have leaves consisting of numerous small leaflets paired along the leaf stem. Kowhai species range from bushes with interlacing (divaricating) branches to small trees up to 15 m in height and two species (Sophora microphylla and S. tetraptera) are brief;y decidious. 

Flowering occurs in the late winter to early spring (September) when a flush of bright yellow flowers occurs which produces nectar attracting birds and bees. The Sophora genus is found throughout New Zealand although some species are restricted in distribution such as Sophora fulvida, Sophora longicarinata and Sophora molloyi.

New Zealand Sophora were reviewed in 2001 (see Heenan et al. 2001). Kowhai is a Maori word meaning yellow and many species have medicinal uses, for example a solution obtained from boiling the bark or the leaves was used on cuts, wounds and infections. However, all parts of the kowhai plant should be considered poisonous if ingested.

Heights vary from molloyi at 2m, microphylla at 4m with godleyi and tetraptera being larger. Sophora godleyi is endemic to the Rangitikei area.