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.

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: gisbornewhakatane-ao@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai