Description: The stamp features a realistic botanical illustration of the kōwhai plant, scientific name Sophora microphylla. A central cluster of bell-shaped, bright golden-yellow flowers hangs gracefully from a slender woody twig, framed by delicate rows of tiny, rounded green leaflets. The entire botanical study is layered over a deep teal-blue textured background panel. The specific identification word "KOWHAI" is printed in clean, white sans-serif capital letters just below the flowers. Positioned in the upper-left corner is the bold face value denomination "3d" (Three Pence), while the name of the issuing nation "NEW ZEALAND" anchors the baseline in a large, uniform white serif typeface.
Circa: 1960-1967
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
This stamp was released as a primary low-value component of New Zealand’s legendary 1960 Pictorial Definitive Series, which widely celebrated native ecology. The brilliant yellow blooms of the kōwhai tree are unofficially regarded as New Zealand's national flower, acting as a critical herald of spring whose sweet nectar serves as a vital food source for native birds like the tūī, bellbird, and kererū.