84 SOPHORA TETRAPTERA. 
slightly upwards ; the wings and keel-petals are oblong, somewhat point ed nea 
the apex, and the claw of ene is narrow. 
The stamens are ten in number and perfectly free—an exceptional cot CO 
amongst plants of this section. The ovary is shortly stalked and very silky, 
celled. The fruit is a flat pod, from 41in. to 6in. long, constricted betanene the 
seeds so that it seems beaded or jointed; the margins are produced into four 
narrow longitudinal wings ; seeds, five to ten. Tile number and shape of t : 
leaflets, and the relative lengths of the petals, have been used to differen . 
varieties which are baareriepeted under the technical description, and an ie 
tion is given of each; but there is no hard-and-fast line separating any two 
forms: in habit, in the form and dimensions of the leaflets, and in the relative — 
lengths of the standard and wings, there is a wide amount of variation. No ty 
Seite of the same variety are exactly alike, and it would not be difficul t to 
collect a series of specimens showing a gradual transition from one form to 
another. 
Young plants bear only a slight resemblance to the mature a . 
branches are slender, flexuous, antl interlaced, forming a somewhat « ct 
mass; the bark is orange- oor and the dictane leaves rarely consist of more 
than six pairs of orbicular leaflets. . 
After the petals have fallen, the ovary increases rapidly in length, < and, whil 
retaining its white silky hairs, becomes contorted and bent in different dit et 
As the ovaries are produced in large numbers, and are pendulous, th 
by the slightest breath of wind, and present a singular appearance ibe & 
days until obscured by the rapid growth of the leaves. 
The kowhai flowers from August to October. 
a 
PROPERTIES AND USES, 
The wood of the kowhai is of a pale-brown colour, and bears consi 
resemblance to laburnum. It is compact, dense, heavy, and of great s rel 
toughness, and elasticity. Its specific gravity varies from *667 to ro 
weight per cubic foot from 41°57lb. to 64:66lb., and its breaking ¥ weight 
17olb. to 275lb.* It is of extreme durability, and in many respects is of high 
value. a 
Logs of large dimensions are rarely to be obtained, especially north : 
Auckland Teds where trunks even ft. in diameter are decidedly rare: the 
largest specimens are found in Southland, and rarely exceed aft. in dia io es . 
It is used for small piles and bracing in the construction of yaks 
ings for shafts and machinery, swingle-trees, and many similar purposes 
duipimengork and ornamental turnery, &c. 
Mr. Blair states that ‘a good proof of its elasticity and straightne aa f fibre 
is given in the teeth and bowie of hay-rakes: the bows are nae ed a. 
of jin, and bent into a semicircle of gin. without showing a any signs of 
way. T : 
It is a decided acquisition to the shrubbery or sensi 
flowers are produced on naked branches at a time when ordinary ga 
are difficult to obtain, and are quickly followed by silvery droop’ 
forming an agreeable relief to the sombre tints of most native trees. 
nsi at a 
Pn Jerab! - 
DisTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS. 
Sophora comprises about twenty-three species, which are g 
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* Balfour: Experiments on the Strength of New Zealand Timber, + Blair; Building M ater 
