New Zealand. Also kowai, kohai, goai. [Maori.] A leguminous plant of New Zealand (Sophora tetraptera) bearing golden-yellow flowers.
1845. E. J. Wakefield, Adv. N. Zeal., I. 58 (Morris). The kohai … with bright yellow blossoms.
1860. J. Blair, N. Zeal. (ibid.). The land of the goai tree.
1872. A. Domett, Ranolf, VI. i. 107. Amohia,… scarlet-crowned with Kowhai-flowers.
1883. Renwick, Betrayed, 42. Gather the kowhai, wet with showers.
1896. Kipling, Seven Seas, 113–4. Buy the kowhai’s gold Flung for gift on Taupo’s face.
