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Native plants

Kakabeak

Kakabeak. Photo: Dick Veitch.

Kakabeak plant

Kowhai ngutukaka or kakabeak is a shrub found only in New Zealand. It is a member of the pea family and its closest relatives are in Australia. In spring it produces stunning large red flowers which hang in clusters of 15-20 blooms.

It has bright green seedpods which turn brown and split open when dry. These pods contain large numbers of tightly packed small black seeds.

Plants can grow up to 2-3m tall, producing long, trailing stems that form new plants when they come into contact with soil. In this way, one parent plant can cover a large area.

Facts about kakabeak

Did you know kakabeak is a member of the pea family and can fix nitrogen? Learn more about this species in this section.

Threats to kakabeak

Animals browsing on kakabeak and competition from introduced plants are two of the greatest threats to this species.

DOC's work with kakabeak

Find out about DOC's kakabeak conservation efforts.

You can help kakabeak

Learn ways you can help with kowhai ngutukaka/kakabeak conservation efforts.

Find out more

Publications

Kowhai ngutukaka (kakabeak) factsheet (PDF, 65K)Tree planting for attracting native birds

Learn more

Native plants and restoration projects

Mainland islands An innovative approach to conserving our native plants.

The Loder Cup is awarded for plant conservation.

Research, collection and wildlife permits

Biodiversity Projects database - a catalogue of NZ biodiversity monitoring projects

Contacts

For further information or to volunteer your help contact the Kakabeak Recovery Group Leader, Don McLean:

Gisborne Whakatane Area Office
Phone:	+64 6 869 0460

Email:
Full office details