There are however 2 main species of Kowhai. Sophora tetraptera, North Island Kowhai and Sophora microphylla, South Island Kowhai. Where these plant grow side by side in wild natural hybrids also exist. Many hybrids have occurred in gardens as well. Additionally there are 2 naturally occurring varieties of S. micropyhlla and numerous forms, some of which have been named.

The North Island Kowhai, Sophora tetraptera is easiest to grow and fastest to flower when grown from seed. It is probably most commonly available in Nursery industry.

As a garden plant North Island Kowhai is excellent. With its fast upright growth it is ready to flower in 3-5 years. It does not go through all twiggy juvenile stages of other Kowhais. It is easy to grow and will succeed in almost all garden situations. It will reach a height of 4-6m with a trunk diameter of 30-60cm.

In wild S. tetraptera grows naturally along forest margins, in lowlands and hill country and alongside streams. Its natural altitude range is from sea level to 450 metres.

Often described as an evergreen tree it losses all its leaves for a very short period each year. In spring all old leaves drop off as new leaf buds break and develop into new branchlets. All old leaves are replaced to provide a fresh green look. The leaves are divided along mid rib into a number of leaflets. Each leaflet is oval shaped 25-30mm long and 5-7mm wide. It creates a feathery look. The new young branchlets and young foliage covered with dense silky hairs which are smooth to touch.

The most distinctive feature is its flower. Each spring large bright yellow flowers appear in pendulous clusters of 5-7 on naked branches. These showy clusters appear in great profusion. Individual flowers are up to 6cm long and colour is a golden sulphur yellow. The calyx, which holds petals in place, is a yellowish/green colour that adds further colour to flowers.

Environmental Concerns What many don't realize is that in many cases, materials used to construct cell phones are toxic. Toxic elements found in many of today's cell phones can include arsenic, in semi-conductors and lead in solder material. While materials in a single phone are minimal consider number of discarded cell phones in relatively short time technology has been available. The placement of these devices in landfills will cause long lasting damage and harm to environment.

Recycling aged wireless equipment is a sensible alternative. Valuable materials can be recovered from used wireless devices in a number of different ways. In some cases, certain components may be separated by manual or simple mechanical means. The components can often be reused or melted down for alternative uses.

Cell Phone Disposal - What Options Exist? Cell Phone Disposal - What Options Exist? The cell phone industry, understanding concerns related to disposal of cell phones and PDAs have created alternatives to both refurbish and recycle materials in older style cellular phones.

Wireless Recycling - http://www.wirelessrecycling.com - ReCellular Inc. is largest recycler and reseller of used wireless phones and accessories in wireless industry. A pioneer in charitable recycling arrangements, ReCellular has well-established partnerships with Easter Seals, March of Dimes, and National Organization on Disability, Goodwill Industries, and The Body Shop. In addition, over 2,000 grassroots organizations from Boy Scout troops to religious organizations around country work to collect wireless phones to support their philanthropic efforts. Charities can raise funds by increasing community awareness and acting as a wireless collection center.