About Kōwhai
Kōwhai is a traditional Māori useful or rongoā plant suited to Aotearoa whenua — plan for mature size, cultural respect, and local ecotype sourcing.
Ideal for food-forest edges, community gardens, and native restoration plantings.
Good companions
Plants that pair well with Kōwhai — tap for their guides. Cited sources appear where research is linked in the matrix.
Listed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
KānukaListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
Bean (Bush)Listed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
PeaListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
Avoid planting together
Known poor neighbours — spacing apart or rotating beds reduces shared pest and disease pressure.
No incompatible companions listed — check the full matrix for neutral pairings.
Growing tips
- Research local iwi guidance before harvesting rongoā.
- Group by mature height — taller shelter at north edge, understory below.
- Mulch after establishment; many natives prefer free drainage.
Use the compatibility matrix
Filter to Kōwhai to see green (beneficial), red (incompatible), and grey (neutral) for every pair among 162 plants. Desktop: hover cells. Mobile: tap for details.