Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

<hw>Kowhai</hw>, <i>n</i>. Maori name given to—

(1) Locust-tree, <i>Yellow Kowhai</i> (<i>Sophora tetraptera</i>, Aiton, <i>N.O. Leguminosae</i>).

(2) Parrot-bill, <i>Scarlet Kowhai</i> (<i>Clianthus puniceus</i>, <i>N.O. Leguminosae</i>), or <i>Kaka-bill</i> (q.v.).

Variously spelt <i>Kowai</i> and <i>Kohai</i>, and corrupted into <i>Goai</i> (q.v.) by the settlers.

1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 58:

"The kohai too, a species of mimosa covered with bright yellow blossoms, abounds in such situations where the stunted growth is an almost unvarying sign of constant inundation."

[Mr. Wakefield was mistaken. The Kohai is not a mimosa.]

1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 261:

"`Tis the <i>Kowhai</i>, that spendthrift so golden
But its kinsman to Nature beholden,
For raiment its beauty to fold in,
Deep-dyed as of trogon or lory,
How with parrot-bill fringes 'tis burning,
One blood-red mound of glory!"

1873. `New Zealand Parliamentary Debates,' No. 16, p. 863: